contaminated 1 of 2

adjective

kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnā-təd How to pronounce contaminated (audio)
Definition of contaminatednext
as in polluted
containing foreign or lower-grade substances the hospitals had no choice but to throw out the contaminated blood supply

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

contaminated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of contaminate
as in poisoned
to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable a supply of drinking water that was contaminated by a toxic waste dump

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 contaminated
Adjective
The disease is transmitted via the inhalation of droplets of contaminated water but can’t be passed from person to person or through drinking water, as is commonly believed. — News Desk, Artforum, 10 July 2026 But humans disrupt the cycle by picking up eggs in contaminated water or eating undercooked fish, reptiles, or amphibians. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
Verb
People become infected with cycloporiasis by consuming food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite — the infection is not transmitted from person to person. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026 The parasite usually spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, according to the CDC. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contaminated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contaminated
  1. polluted
  2. poisoned
  3. diluted
  4. dilute
  5. tainted
Adjective
  • If one neighborhood is highly polluted but nearby communities aren’t, county-level averages would show an overall low level of pollution – even though the more detailed information would reveal a major problem to be addressed in one particular area.
    — Mark Axelrod, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
  • Mayflies lay up to 10,000 eggs in the water, and their nymphs can't survive in water that is polluted.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
Definition of polluted
Verb
  • But is there any guarantee that Francesco was not also poisoned?
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Michael seemed to be saying that by admitting her dishonesty, Ethel would have ruined their childhood and poisoned any prospect of a future relationship with her.
    — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of poisoned
Adjective
  • To help mitigate both pests and diseases, isolate the plant and treat infestations with safe, diluted systemic insecticides, such as organic neem oil.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026
  • If your oregano, mint, or other herbs have begun to flower, give them a hard haircut and a little diluted fertilizer.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026
Definition of diluted
Adjective
  • Clean and disinfect your pruning shears between working on each plant by dipping them into a dilute 10% solution of chlorine bleach water or rubbing alcohol.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
  • But dwarf galaxies are smaller and colder, with more dilute and slower-moving matter.
    — Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
Definition of dilute
Adjective
  • Close to half of the cases of foodborne illness caused by Vibrio vulnificus have resulted in death, and some within 24 hours after consumption of tainted shellfish such as raw oysters.
    — Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Another juvenile in detention passed around the tainted jug, according to the suit.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of tainted

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contaminated
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Cite this Entry

“Contaminated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contaminated. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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