disinfect

verb

Definition of disinfectnext
as in to sanitize

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 Briant also argued that the plaintiffs themselves had blamed the hospital’s chief perfusionist — who was in charge of the heater-cooler devices — for failing to properly disinfect the units and alleged that the negligence led to the infection. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026 If someone is sick with an infectious disease, that’s a time to disinfect. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Wash pruners or scissors with soap and water, then spray or wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol to disinfect them. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 Instead, clean baths with a stiff brush and use a 1-part vinegar to 9-parts water solution to disinfect baths as required. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 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
  • Make Sure the Hydrogen Peroxide Sits Long Enough Hydrogen peroxide needs contact time to sanitize and bleach, so don’t rush through the cleaning process by hastily wiping hydrogen peroxide away.
    — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Clean and sanitize surfaces these animals touch, and wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, touching common surfaces or touching your mouth or face.
    — Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of sanitize
Verb
  • Those exhibiting suspicious symptoms had samples taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis, the ministry said on Saturday, adding that the vessel was also decontaminated.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Even considering the persistence and peril of anthrax, Stewart reckons that the British government did properly decontaminate the island.
    — RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of decontaminate
Verb
  • The technique already plays a major role in biotechnology, where manufacturers use it to purify complex compounds and biologic medicines.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Puerto Rico’s governor had declared a state of emergency in late July because of the persistent dry conditions and activated the National Guard to transport, distribute, and purify water.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of purify
Verb
  • For those with children or pets, the performance fabric is designed to wipe clean, and the seat cushions are removable to easily clean the sofa’s frame.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Smith appeared to cry and wipe her face during the bond court hearing.
    — DAVID J. NEAL, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of wipe
Verb
  • Since each toolhead can remain loaded with a separate filament, the printer can switch between them (in a single second, the company claims), without repeatedly purging filament through one nozzle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The pushback prompted several companies, including LinkedIn and Spotify, to purge their platforms of the digital waste.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of purge
Verb
  • It’s supposed to be scrubbed of personally identifiable markers, but how deep will that go?
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Use a circular motion to clean the surface, and don’t scrub too hard.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrub
Verb
  • Really, as long as the boots are leather and in good shape, they can typically be conditioned and cleaned.
    — Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Best Last-Chance Amazon Home Labor Day Sales Give your home a refresh with last-minute deals on fresh cozy bedding, cleaning gadgets, and décor.
    — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of clean
Verb
  • The bestselling cream-like balm melts into a clear, oil-like cleanser when warmed between dry palms, dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and grime before emulsifying with water and rinsing clean.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Torres likes to clean zellige tiles in 2-foot sections at a time, rinsing the microfiber cloth in clean water before moving on to the next section.
    — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of rinse

Browse Nearby Words

disinclined
disinfect
disinfectant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disinfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinfect. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All