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 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 Baking soda works best on firm vegetables but doesn’t disinfect or remove pesticides absorbed into the produce. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 Clean and disinfect your pruning shears between working on each plant by dipping them into a dilute 10% solution of chlorine bleach water or rubbing alcohol. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 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
  • To sanitize dishware, wash the dishes to remove food particles.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 July 2026
  • Orkin can treat some household surfaces to kill bacteria and viruses and to sanitize the area.
    — Dan Simms, USA Today, 11 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Now, yet again, state and local governments are launching an effort to help clean Lake Jesup, this time by removing some of the pollutants on a narrow creek before reaching the lake, which sits about 14 miles northeast of Orlando.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
  • In addition to going after pollutants at the source, cleaning the air is another important step.
    — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
Definition of clean
Verb
  • Spray the railings with a garden hose to rinse away pollen and dirt.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
  • Cleaning your trash can regularly and rinsing food residue from containers prevents odors that attract fruit flies.
    — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 16 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on disinfect

Nglish: Translation of disinfect for Spanish Speakers

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