UNSTERILE Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

unsterile

adjective

Definition of unsterile

as in unsanitary

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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 unsterile There have also been reports of black market silicone injections, which are done illegally and in typically unsterile environments – further increasing the risk for health problems. — Jenna Ryu, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2023 There is also a risk that the contact lens and packing solution may become unsterile. — Yoni Heisler, BGR, 19 May 2021 Hale led a project focused on eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, a deadly disease usually caused when the umbilical cord is cut with an unsterile instrument. — Kaitlin Lange, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Aug. 2020 Three former Fillakit employees said that its process was unsterile. — Ryan Gabrielson, ProPublica, 18 June 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsterile

Adjective

Gatz was cited for unsanitary conditions and household trash dumped all over the site.

— Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 July 2026
The hotel falsely advertised accommodations with two queen beds and then gave you a room with smaller beds and alarming, unsanitary conditions, including suspicious red splatters.

— Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Definition of unsanitary

Adjective

It can also be transmitted through sharing personal care items (like a razor or toothbrush) or getting a tattoo or piercing from unsterilized equipment.

— Julia Ries, SELF, 21 June 2023
The aim is to slow the spread of diseases like hepatitis C that can spread when inmates try to tattoo themselves or each other with unsterilized tools like electric motors and ballpoint pens and share contaminated needles.

— From USA TODAY Network and wire reports, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2022

Definition of unsterilized

Adjective

Employees were observed to only sanitize their gloved hands after touching insanitary surfaces and then resumed touching RTE food and various food contact surfaces.

— Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
The company admitted that by January 2021 some employees were aware that the insanitary conditions were causing products to become contaminated.

— Kate Gibson, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2024

Definition of insanitary

Adjective

Dozens of people had spent almost a year living outside, filthy and exhausted, and for what?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
From shabby apartments to art experiments to filthy needles—with echoes of Patti Smith and Rebecca Makkai—Adler conjures an era of sorrow borne by too many, too young.

— Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

Definition of filthy

Adjective

Keep unwashed produce separate from ready-to-eat foods and raw meat, poultry or seafood.

— Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Scabies, ringworm, rashes from numerous unknown sources and unwashed skin was wrapped in clothing of stiff linen, smelly woolens or coarse calico.

— Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Definition of unwashed

Adjective

Taco Bell has been sued at least three times in federal court this week, with plaintiffs alleging negligence, breach of warranty and violations of deceptive trade practices law for allegedly selling contaminated lettuce.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
In many cases, people contract the disease by inhaling tiny droplets of contaminated water.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Definition of contaminated

Adjective

Putting diseased plant material in your compost pile and using unclean or dull pruning tools also increases the risk of transmitting issues from plant to plant.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026
The floor sink beneath the 3-comp sink was draining slowly and observed unclean.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of unclean

Adjective

However, Strickland says a dirty filter or uncleaned condenser reduces your system's efficiency, which can raise energy bills.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
Red chili peppers in a can on the bottom shelf of the prep table were left uncleaned.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026

Definition of uncleaned

Browse Nearby Words

unsteady

unsterile

unsterilized

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“Unsterile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsterile. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsterile

adjective

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