impurity

noun

(ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce impurity (audio)
Definition of impuritynext
1
as in contamination
something that is or that makes impure impurities in the water made it cloudy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in grossness
the quality or state of being obscene the impurity of her thoughts was troubling, given her strict upbringing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 impurity Ice•ology trays use a slow-freezing process designed to separate impurities and air bubbles from the ice, creating crystal-clear cubes that elevate cocktails, mocktails and everyday beverages. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 For the collection, the mill applies a special cleaning process to cotton that removes 80 percent of impurities. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 This shampoo also has hydrolyzed keratin to smooth hair and boost shine, while chelating agents will remove those hard water impurities to keep hair feeling and looking healthy. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Derms love La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser; both formulas are super gentle but still remove SPF, makeup, and other impurities. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impurity
  1. contamination
  2. grossness
  3. contaminant
  4. vulgarity
  5. pollutant
  6. crudeness
  7. suggestiveness
  8. coarseness
Noun
  • While a crack in a propeller may be visible, contamination inside a motor bearing can be more difficult to detect.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Internal memos among company scientists and executives obtained by The Times reveal that for at least half a century, the plastics industry has been aware of and concerned about the potential for microplastic contamination in the human body.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of contamination
Noun
  • But Paddy’s isn’t Sudz, and the Gang’s efforts to soft-pedal their antics to be more in line with those mainstream bars devolved into typical Sunny-style hostility and off-putting grossness.
    — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026
  • All your Dad has to do is fill it and drink—the microfilter membrane will do the rest by removing chlorine odors, dirt, bacteria, and any other grossness floating around in there.
    — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
Definition of grossness
Noun
  • Rain can cause contaminants to leach into groundwater, and studies have linked exposure to cancer, kidney damage, and developmental problems in children.
    — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Therefore, the researchers' anode not only removes a toxic contaminant but also reduces the energy needed to produce hydrogen at the cathode, increasing the system's overall hydrogen-production efficiency.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of contaminant
Noun
  • Lower courts upheld the ban, finding the veiled vulgarity of the phrase allows schools to ban it.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The diaries—particularly in Julian Sachs’s unexpurgated version, which captures Pavese’s alternating earnestness, archness, and pungent vulgarity—pose something of a problem.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of vulgarity
Noun
  • Without a mask, without fear of needing lung implants, without having to worry about inhaling a soupçon of strychnine or similar industrial pollutants.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Gas and coal power plants also emit air pollutants and the greenhouse gases causing climate change, leading to more health costs.
    — Justine Calma, The Verge, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of pollutant
Noun
  • There’s some rudeness, aggressive conversations, and crudeness, but nothing too over the top.
    — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of crudeness
Noun
  • The Averys also lack the deep, metaphysical suggestiveness of the Gottliebs.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The bucket quickly went viral for its not-safe-for-work suggestiveness.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of suggestiveness
Noun
  • Most denim blends using hemp only include 20 or 30 percent of the fiber due to its coarseness.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But many seemingly urbane texts also benefited from the intellectual and moral coarseness of their times.
    — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of coarseness

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impurities
impurity
imputation
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Cite this Entry

“Impurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impurity. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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