pollute

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pollute contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pollute are contaminate, defile, and taint. While all these words mean "to make impure or unclean," pollute, sometimes interchangeable with contaminate, distinctively may imply that the process which begins with contamination is complete and that what was pure or clean has been made foul, poisoned, or filthy.

the polluted waters of the river

When can contaminate be used instead of pollute?

The words contaminate and pollute can be used in similar contexts, but contaminate implies intrusion of or contact with dirt or foulness from an outside source.

water contaminated by industrial wastes

When is defile a more appropriate choice than pollute?

The words defile and pollute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defile implies befouling of what could or should have been kept clean and pure or held sacred and commonly suggests violation or desecration.

defile a hero's memory with slanderous innuendo

When is it sensible to use taint instead of pollute?

The synonyms taint and pollute are sometimes interchangeable, but taint stresses the loss of purity or cleanliness that follows contamination.

tainted meat
a politician's tainted reputation

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 pollute Real progress likely depends on systemic change: bold regulations to limit plastic production, major investments in alternative materials, and the will to challenge an industry that has polluted our planet for decades. Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 22 May 2025 And, thanks to practices such as the ones enacted by Mr. Victor, about 100 Oklahoman streams once polluted by runoff predominantly from farmland have been restored to health. Nick Oxford, New York Times, 21 May 2025 These efforts play a valuable role in addressing the plastic already polluting our oceans. Rob Kaplan, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Runoff from roads, factories, and dumping grounds can also pollute water sources used for crops. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pollute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollute
Verb
  • Often times, vacant lots may be contaminated with hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint or underground storage tanks, posing risks to human health and the environment.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2025
  • Iran has nuclear plants buried deep inside mountains, inaccessible to air strikes and others that would, if flattened, contaminate large areas of the Persian Gulf.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Still, no amount of artistic success could heal the rift that had poisoned the group.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
  • In some cities, stray dogs are poisoned with strychnine, a pesticide banned in many countries for causing inhumane suffering.
    Lisa Klaassen, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • It’s been 17 years since tainted blood thinner from China injured or killed hundreds of people in the United States, and since then, contaminants and other defects have appeared in a cross section of America’s generic drugs.
    Brandon Roberts, ProPublica, 17 June 2025
  • The woman was unavailable for an interview with USA TODAY because she was hospitalized. Untreated, Amy said the mental health condition’s fantastical conspiracies tainted her mom's decisions.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pollute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollute. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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