as in contaminant
something that is or that makes impure
swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 contamination
Among the programs is one to remove underground storage tanks so soil underneath them can be evaluated for contamination.
—
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Police did not say how workers came to know about the possible fentanyl contamination.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
This could include, but is not limited to, major vermin contamination.
—Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Some wore disposable coverings over their shoes, and all the dogs wore diapers — to prevent any possible contamination of the bodies or the surrounding area, which could be a distraction to other dogs later.
—Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contamination
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Police did not say how workers came to know about the possible fentanyl contamination.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
This could include, but is not limited to, major vermin contamination.
—Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Some wore disposable coverings over their shoes, and all the dogs wore diapers — to prevent any possible contamination of the bodies or the surrounding area, which could be a distraction to other dogs later.
—Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contamination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contamination
Noun
-
Nearly 90,000 bottles of a children’s pain reliever have been recalled due to reports of black specs and other contaminants, according to federal regulators.—
Boston Herald Wire Services,
Boston Herald,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Urban runoff from rivers and creeks can also carry contaminants into coastal waters.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Without needing batteries or wires, the Moso Natural air-purifying bag attracts particles out of the air like a magnet, and continuously works to remove odors and harmful pollutants from your home, filled with just one powerful ingredient -- moso bamboo charcoal.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The Iran war has unleashed a toxic mix of chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants that threaten everything from agriculture to drinking water to people’s health — and will leave behind environmental damage and health risks that could persist for decades, experts said.—
Tammy Webber,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contamination. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
