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 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 The workers must then disinfect the pipe with chlorine and test the water’s quality for safety. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 19 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
  • Activewear After sweating it out in your beloved activewear, avoid using the hotter temperatures in the washing machine to sanitize and remove unpleasant odors.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Health care workers should sanitize their hands before and after patient contact regardless of whether that contact involves a handshake, a physical examination, or a procedure.
    — Zain Khawaja, STAT, 24 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
  • An unmanaged shutdown of the Secuda coal-to-liquids plant operated by South African energy company Sasol could wipe $550 million off the country’s $400 billion economy and cost nearly 25,000 jobs, researchers said.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • To prevent moisture from seeping into the TV and causing damage, wipe the TV down one final time with a dry microfiber cloth.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of wipe
Verb
  • Similar to purging in home organizing, Keen says to look for images that spark joy, like Marie Kondo-style decluttering.
    — Staff Author, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Black and female military officers have been purged or denied promotion.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 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
  • Hand soap is meant for clearing surface dirt, cleaning expert Andy Wray says.
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Whole cobs of corn are cleaned of their silk, tucked back into their husks, and placed on the grill to char.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of clean
Verb
  • According to Typology, apply the serum directly to your eyelashes and eyebrows, and do not rinse.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But their work is less likely to become clichéd, because any stale fixations will always be rinsed and refreshed by the real.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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