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 Boiling Clothes Won't Get Them Cleaner In the past, when options for doing laundry were more limited, boiling fabrics to sterilize and clean them was a common practice. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026 Researchers raise the flies by the millions, sterilize the males with radiation, and release them in overwhelming numbers. — Ethan Stone, AZCentral.com, 17 June 2026 Scientists irradiate male flies to sterilize them, then release them by the million. — Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026 Explainer The facilities sterilize screwworm pupae with radiation to produce sterile flies, and the males are then distributed to mate with wild female flies. — Ilena Peng, Fortune, 13 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
  • When, in the wake of one of these life-altering events, everything must go, an estate sale is a way to sell off a large amount of furniture, decor, and art all at once.
    — Zoey Goto, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The British actress’s understanding of art, and herself, was altered by an unexpected encounter with an intimately familiar image.
    — Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of alter
Verb
  • If fully enacted, the cuts would amount to as much as 30% of PTS’s budget, and strip almost all operational funding from TaiwanPlus, thereby neutering the broadcaster.
    — Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Watch this video for tips on helping your dog recover after they’ve been spayed or neutered.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of neuter
Verb
  • Those expectations got castrated because of last season’s early struggles.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • Earlier this month, on Monday, June 8, Municipal Court Judge Louis Sancinito found Lowe guilty of possessing the deer without a permit, interfering with a conservation officer attempting to confiscate the animal, and having Rudy illegally castrated.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 June 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
  • Mosser has not come to the negotiating table just yet, but Richardson says his office is determined to fix a wrong.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • By identifying exactly what the frustration concerns before reacting, leaders are more likely to channel emotion toward fixing broken systems instead of attacking individuals.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sterilize

Nglish: Translation of sterilize for Spanish Speakers

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