sterilize

verb

Definition of sterilizenext
as in to alter

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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 sterilize Bruce Power has been producing cobalt-60 since 1986, supplying isotopes used to sterilize approximately 30 per cent of the world’s single-use medical devices. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 Many people didn’t sterilize the vials or the skin before injection. — C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 Keeping the cup clean is important for reducing your risk of infection, so clean the cup after each use, and sterilize the cup after your menstrual cycle. — Parents, 29 July 2026 Many palms are declining due to diseases; sterilize pruners between palms to prevent the spread. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sterilize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterilize
  1. alter
  2. neuter
  3. castrate
  4. emasculate
  5. fix
Verb
  • Cost of market dependence For sellers who prioritize PSA's resale premium, changes to its fees and submission services can alter the economics of grading a card.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • According to the Army, its integration process is non-destructive, meaning attaching the kit does not permanently alter the underlying munition.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of alter
Verb
  • The Los Angeles City Council took steps Friday to address overcrowding at its six animal shelters by exploring ways to reduce pet relinquishment, boost a spaying-and-neutering program and fund more animal officers.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Those same shots of a multicultural student body and students working in labs tend to neuter and minimize the brand.
    — Ellis Verdi, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of neuter
Verb
  • This is the league, remember, where a man (Harvey Updyke) confessed to poisoning the trees at Auburn on a radio show after Alabama lost to the Tigers, and a coach (Jackie Sherrill at Mississippi State) castrated a bull to motivate his squad.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Those expectations got castrated because of last season’s early struggles.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Definition of castrate
Verb
  • Under Republican control, the House of Representatives has been emasculated.
    — Linh Tat, Oc Register, 5 May 2026
  • No matter what agenda the president espoused—the economic pragmatism of Rafsanjani, the liberal aspirations of Mohammad Khatami, the populist provocations of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the nuclear diplomacy of Hassan Rouhani—Khamenei emasculated him.
    — Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2026
Definition of emasculate
Verb
  • Before selecting the least uncomfortable version, ask which limits are fixed and which details can change.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Robots fix memories MIT researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence system that allows robots to identify, evaluate, and correct unreliable descriptions of objects stored in their memory.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of fix

Browse Nearby Words

sterility
sterilize
sterilized
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Cite this Entry

“Sterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterilize. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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