DECONTAMINATE Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

decontaminate

verb

Definition of decontaminate

as in to clean

to remove dirty or dangerous substances (such as radioactive material) from (a person, thing, place, etc.) Special workers were called in to decontaminate the area after the oil spill.

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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 decontaminate All first responders and equipment involved in the operation had to be decontaminated, officials said. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 The bodies must be decontaminated before being taken to the corner’s office, local authorities said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 May 2026 More than a dozen first responders were quarantined and decontaminated after responding to the scene. — ABC News, 22 May 2026 After everyone on board has disembarked, the ship will be decontaminated based on Dutch public health guidelines, a process that will take about three days, according to van Duijnhoven. — Molly Quell, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for decontaminate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decontaminate

Verb

Then, cleaning robots would handle waste detection and room upkeep using AI.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
As volunteers fanned out Sunday to clean debris from the beach, leaders blamed social media and out-of-state youths for fueling disorder and pledged a full post-holiday safety review.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of clean

Verb

This woven crossbody has a similar look to Aniston’s, plus a glossy finish that’s easy to wipe clean — a practical perk for everyday wear and travel.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Spray the front of the stove and control panel with the vinegar solution and wipe them with a cloth.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

Definition of wipe

Verb

When purging categories was proposed during that period, it was met with fierce resistance from the Writers branch, as well as WGA.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 July 2026
The Chinese Communist Party purged another top official Tuesday, as Xi Jinping intensifies his anti-corruption drive.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of purge

Verb

On a warm July afternoon near Fairbanks, a volunteer with the Alaska Bee Atlas kneels beside a patch of blooming fireweed, gently sweeping a net through the air.

— Timothy Bundy, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Its walls are decorated with sweeping murals by Philip Guston, Ben Shahn, and twin sisters Ethel and Jenne Magafan.

— Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of sweep

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deconstructs

decontaminate

decontaminated

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“Decontaminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decontaminate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of decontaminate

verb

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