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 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 As a precaution, the city has ordered 76 buildings to clean, drain and disinfect their cooling towers while the investigation continues. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 19 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
  • The restaurant was ordered to close immediately, clean and sanitize the kitchen and check for any points of entry for the insects.
    — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The recall announcement directed consumers to wash and sanitize any containers that may have come into contact with the affected product, and wash and sanitize hands and utensils that may have touched the product.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 14 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
  • But what if the water and nutrients could be purified from whey permeate and used for other purposes?
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Once hydrogen is flowing from the ground, how will the gas be purified?
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of purify
Verb
  • Dampen a microfiber cloth with the paste and wipe in the direction of the grain to remove minor scratches.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In bathrooms that get the most action in a day, wipe them down with a clean towel to prevent water spots.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of wipe
Verb
  • But both would purge the coterie of advisers around Zelensky, who many of the Ukrainian president’s critics believe are responsible for bad decisions, and whiff of corruption.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The states also want Meta to prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram, delete personal information collected from those users and purge algorithms and artificial intelligence models trained on their data.
    — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of purge
Verb
  • Return and scrub it with a grout scrub brush or old toothbrush.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of using harsh bleach to tackle these stains, put some shaving cream on your toilet bowl brush and start scrubbing around the water line.
    — Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrub
Verb
  • The Waterless Duo is an easy way to clean and condition your pet’s coat without water featuring the Dog Days Dry Shampoo and Leave in Detangler.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The only thing better than a cozy fireplace is one that doesn’t need, soot, wood, or chimney cleaning.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of clean
Verb
  • Lightly sand the handles of a pair of wood or bamboo salad servers, then rinse and dry them.
    — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Although invisible, the bacteria from your cleaning rag (for instance) can easily transfer to other surfaces, even after rinsing.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on disinfect

Nglish: Translation of disinfect for Spanish Speakers

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