CONTAMINATION Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

contamination

noun

kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of contamination

as in contaminant

something that is or that makes impure swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized

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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 Federal, state and local health agencies were instead investigating multiple groups of infections and possible sources of contamination. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Earlier this year, nearly 60,000 pounds of frozen blueberries were recalled due to potential Listeria contamination. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 And even after an animal is slaughtered, the meat goes through a thorough inspection looking for any sign of disease, abnormalities or contamination. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 The second concern was contamination—perhaps the rover itself dragged the organic material from Earth? — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contamination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contamination

Noun

Jegede said most root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, along with any fruit that has an outer layer, can be washed to remove potential contaminants, even if they were covered in ash.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Even drinking water, which is carefully treated and monitored, can contain trace amounts of contaminants from multiple sources, including pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals and compounds formed during water treatment.

— Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Definition of contaminant

Noun

The material has the potential to combat climate change by capturing and storing carbon or other pollutants, and by extracting water from the atmosphere in water-scarce areas.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Understanding Towel Contamination As a human’s largest organ, skin surfaces are exposed to everything from pollutants to bacteria to chemicals.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

Definition of pollutant

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contaminating

contamination

contaminations

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“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contamination. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of contamination

noun

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