1
as in barren
not able to produce fruit or offspring
sterile couples sometimes choose to adopt needy children the apple tree turned out to be sterile, never yielding a crop of apples
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sanitary
free from filth, infection, or dangers to health
the hospitals in the war-torn city often lack necessary drugs and sterile surgical supplies
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sterile
Across the East Coast, dispensaries are shifting away from the sterile, minimalist vibes of the past and toward a more integrated, cultural approach.
—
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
That includes renovating the sterile processing department and adding space for pre-operation, post-operation and procedural care.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Here’s what the experts have to say The ‘sterile cockpit’ rule
Takeoffs and landings are not taken lightly.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
With two treatments, the capybaras should be sterile for at least a few months.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterile
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
That includes renovating the sterile processing department and adding space for pre-operation, post-operation and procedural care.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Here’s what the experts have to say The ‘sterile cockpit’ rule
Takeoffs and landings are not taken lightly.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
With two treatments, the capybaras should be sterile for at least a few months.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterile
Adjective
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Dike, who has missed much of the last two years with a string of serious injuries, ended his barren spell by scoring for his English Championship club West Bromwich Albion in their 5-3 win over Luton Town on Saturday.—
Ali Rampling,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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Without predators to keep them in check, says Laura Rogers-Bennett, a senior environmental scientist at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, urchins devour the base of kelp and can turn towering forests into barren seascapes within a matter of seasons.—
Avery Schuyler Nunn,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some institutions have their own sanitary precautions.—
Jake Offenhartz,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
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The organization is currently in Myanmar providing emergency support for youth and families, including health kits, medical supplies, tents, and personal hygiene items such as soap, sanitary pads, and disinfectant.—
Jenny Adams,
AFAR Media,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sterile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterile. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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