as in sterile
free from filth, infection, or dangers to health
the nurse made sure that everything in the room was sanitary so that the baby wouldn't get sick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 sanitary
Cholera is a bacterial infection that spreads due to poor sanitary practices in which human feces get into drinking water, via excrement passed into streams or by seepage from outhouses to wells.
—
William E. Watson, The Conversation, 1 Aug. 2025
There was no concession on food safety and sanitary certificates for U.S. pork and dairy products.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Common violations for all six restaurants with scores under 80 included improper storage of food, food that was stored above the proper temperature, and unlabelled food or cleaning supplies, among other sanitary violations.
—Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2025
The punishment includes depriving Mitchell of food, water, clothes, sanitary living conditions, medical and mental health care, according to the filing, as well as physical abuse against other inmates.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitary
William E. Watson, The Conversation, 1 Aug. 2025
There was no concession on food safety and sanitary certificates for U.S. pork and dairy products.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Common violations for all six restaurants with scores under 80 included improper storage of food, food that was stored above the proper temperature, and unlabelled food or cleaning supplies, among other sanitary violations.
—Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2025
The punishment includes depriving Mitchell of food, water, clothes, sanitary living conditions, medical and mental health care, according to the filing, as well as physical abuse against other inmates.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanitary
Adjective
-
The invasive parasite has been nearing the Mexico–Texas border, threatening the area's cattle industry The U.S. and Mexico are working on numerous plans to combat New World screwworm infestations, including a plan to release sterile male flies to curb the species' spread.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
11 Aug. 2025
-
The story follows a man trapped in an endless, sterile subway passageway, who sets out to find Exit 8.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Best Budget: Bubble Knock Out Acne Spot Treatment Pros: Affordable; reduces swelling and pimple size within hours Cons: The sponge-tip applicator isn’t the most hygienic At only $12, this is the most affordable spot treatment on this list, yet just as effective as its pricier counterparts.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
Glamour,
6 Aug. 2025
-
While a plastic bag from 7/11 will do in a pinch, keeping small trash bags with you is an easier, more hygienic way to keep your trash separate inside of your day bag.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sanitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanitary. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share