Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contaminate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contaminate are defile, pollute, and taint. While all these words mean "to make impure or unclean," contaminate implies intrusion of or contact with dirt or foulness from an outside source.

water contaminated by industrial wastes

When can defile be used instead of contaminate?

Although the words defile and contaminate have much in common, defile implies befouling of what could or should have been kept clean and pure or held sacred and commonly suggests violation or desecration.

defile a hero's memory with slanderous innuendo

When is pollute a more appropriate choice than contaminate?

The synonyms pollute and contaminate are sometimes interchangeable, but pollute, sometimes interchangeable with contaminate, distinctively may imply that the process which begins with contamination is complete and that what was pure or clean has been made foul, poisoned, or filthy.

the polluted waters of the river

When is it sensible to use taint instead of contaminate?

The words taint and contaminate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, taint stresses the loss of purity or cleanliness that follows contamination.

tainted meat
a politician's tainted reputation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contaminate Select Lot Code - Select Locations in Texas and Louisiana: The recall notice says the water may be contaminated with pseudomonas, which occur naturally in water sources like mineral water and may pose minor health consequences in people with weakened immune systems. Hannah Hudnall, The Courier-Journal, 7 July 2025 Its job is to keep the vial from getting contaminated between patients and potentially getting someone sick, says Dr. Michelle Fiscus, chief clinical officer of the Association of Immunization Managers. Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 6 July 2025 The two biggest perks the city gets from the deal are tax money and the cleanup of a site that's been contaminated with toxic chemicals for decades. Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The oversight caused lead to leach from the pipes and contaminate the drinking water of thousands of homes. Amudalat Ajasa The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for contaminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contaminate
Verb
  • Beware of anyone telling you coal or gas is the answer to high energy bills, especially when their profit margins are tied to these polluting fossil fuels.
    Emily Scarr, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • Adam is showing how even language, the medium of the novel, can be polluted, corrupted, and transformed into a means of exploitation.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Prior to foreign hunters visiting Uruguay and providing a financial incentive to keep the birds’ populations healthy, ducks were often poisoned en masse because they were seen as little more than crop raiders.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Has sports gambling poisoned the relationship between athletes and fans?
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contaminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contaminate. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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