disinfect

verb

Definition of disinfectnext
as in to sanitize

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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 disinfect The positive test has not affected the Met’s opening hours, as it is typically closed on Wednesday and used the time to drain and disinfect the cooling tower. — News Desk, Artforum, 15 July 2026 If an infection is discovered prior to the animal reaching the slaughterhouse, a veterinarian will treat the animal and disinfect the wound to prevent worsening infection. — Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 Crews have been deployed to clear mud and debris and disinfect several towns in Hengzhou. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 That extraordinary combination of processes can disinfect a liter of water in 20 minutes, to provide reliable safe drinking water without needing any chemicals, battery or external power source. — Simon Heptinstall, New Atlas, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disinfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinfect
  1. sanitize
  2. decontaminate
  3. purify
  4. wipe
  5. purge
  6. scrub
  7. clean
  8. rinse
Verb
  • If possible, sanitize your cutting tools with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide spray between plants when deadheading.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 July 2026
  • Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils before and after handling food.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of sanitize
Verb
  • The traditional boundaries between work and life dissolved as workers tried to maintain productivity through economic upheaval, all while decontaminating groceries and managing their children’s online classes.
    — Tess Lawrence, Harvard Business Review, 1 July 2026
  • The wire seals certify a vessel had either been decontaminated and inspected for invasive species or was last launched in the Lake Tahoe basin, agency officials said in a news release.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of decontaminate
Verb
  • Normal strategy in disaster situations is boiling water to purify it but this uses valuable fuel resources.
    — Simon Heptinstall, New Atlas, 9 July 2026
  • Next, the raw material is handed over to Talga Group, a specialist firm that purifies the recycled feedstock into pristine, battery-grade graphite.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
Definition of purify
Verb
  • Reynolds has watched people wipe a kid's nose or change a diaper and then rinse their hands in the pool, figuring the chlorine will handle it.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 20 July 2026
  • Place anything that’s sitting on countertops but doesn’t belong there in its proper place, and quickly wipe the countertops and other surfaces, such as the kitchen table.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026
Definition of wipe
Verb
  • By the time Japan finally purged bad loans from bank balance sheets, deflation had woven itself into the national fabric.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • So, the team tested if depriving mole-rats of smell would purge the xenophobia out of them.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
Definition of purge
Verb
  • Chances are the label will scrub right off with a decent sponge.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • SpaceX scrubbed the launch attempt, and engineers began preparations to drain the rocket’s propellant tanks.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Definition of scrub
Verb
  • To clean, heat 1 cup of water and 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or several lemon slices in a microwave-safe bowl for three minutes or until steaming.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 July 2026
  • Officials say the project, with nearly $15 million in funds, is one of the few chances to clean a failing waterway, reduce fines and create safer, more accessible parkland.
    — Mack Baysinger Follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of clean
Verb
  • Simply drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot for a comforting end to the day.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026
  • Simply rinsing them under water isn't enough to reliably remove them.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 23 July 2026
Definition of rinse

Browse Nearby Words

disinclined
disinfect
disinfectant
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Cite this Entry

“Disinfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinfect. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on disinfect

Nglish: Translation of disinfect for Spanish Speakers

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