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 Better Bathroom Habits for Preventing Bacteria Spread While this information might seem scary, there’s no need to disinfect the whole room after every ordinary flush. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 20 Sep. 2026 Key Takeaways Use hydrogen peroxide to safely disinfect sinks without harsh chemicals or bleach damage. — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026 Public water systems commonly use chlorine or chloramine to disinfect drinking water and control microbes. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026 Authorities ordered the owners of the 10 towers to clean and disinfect them by Monday. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 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
  • Those worried about data security can sanitize entire system drives prior to reinstalling.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Employees are using a chlorine solution with chemical cleaners to sanitize food contact surfaces while dish machine is inoperable.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sanitize
Verb
  • The protocol provides details on decontaminating clothing and equipment after caving.
    — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of decontaminate
Verb
  • The bubbles deliver oxygen and other gases that naturally purify water and eliminate bad bacteria.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
  • At London’s Clarify Clinics, founder Yael Cohen has developed the controversial Clari Procedure, a patented two-hour IV treatment that claims to purify the blood plasma.
    — Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of purify
Verb
  • Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe both the inside and outside of the shade.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2026
  • To clean these spots, remove vent covers when possible, vacuum them thoroughly with a brush attachment, and wipe them down with a damp cloth, says Raquel Perez, house cleaning expert and owner of Karen’s Green Cleaning.
    — Brigitt Earley, Martha Stewart, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of wipe
Verb
  • China’s leadership doubled down on an anti-corruption drive that analysts say has variously sought to purge the top echelons of the Communist Party over graft and consolidate Xi Jinping’s power.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Xi had earlier purged two of China’s top generals, leaving Zhang as the commission’s only member besides Xi himself.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of purge
Verb
  • Indeed, the 18th century looks very scrubbed and pretty here, Cathal Watters’ handsome widescreen cinematography at times recalling the more idealizing 19th-century landscape painters.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Massage, don’t scrub Use your fingertips in small circular motions, without ever scrubbing.
    — Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of scrub
Verb
  • Spring and fall are the best times to schedule a tune-up to address problems and have your coils cleaned.
    — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Like other regular cleaning tasks, cleaning rugs should happen regularly.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of clean
Verb
  • There’s no need to rinse the bird, and washing raw poultry can spread bacteria around your kitchen.
    — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • They’re also formulated to rinse away more cleanly than dishwasher tablets.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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