Synonyms of contamination

contamination

noun

kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 

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

• contaminant
• pollutant
• defect
• sludge
• impurity
• irregularity
• stain
• soil
• taint
• defilement
• adulterant
• dirt
• spot
• muck
• abnormality
• fault
• blot
• filth
• blotch
• grime
• flaw
• blemish
• disfigurement
• scum
• smut
• imperfection

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• filter
• refiner
• purity
• purifier
• clarifier
• cleanliness
• immaculateness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contamination

Congress granted veterans who served at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune an exception because of severe groundwater contamination that sickened thousands of veterans and their families who served and lived on the base between 1953 and 1987. — Nicole Borman, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

While no produce wash—including this one, vinegar, or baking soda—can eliminate Cyclospora, thoroughly washing your produce can help reduce dirt and contamination on the surface. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 July 2026

Authorities did not provide any information on the source of the cyanide contamination, but it’s believed that farming pesticides may be a likely cause, reported the BBC. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

In the case of Cyclospora, contamination can occur when human sewage gets into water used to irrigate fresh produce, says Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University. — Angela Haupt, Time, 29 July 2026