ADULTERANT Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

adulterant

noun

ə-ˈdəl-t(ə-)rənt

Definition of adulterant

as in contamination

something that is or that makes impure concerned about adulterants in the town's water supply coming from the discharge from the factory

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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 adulterant Dangerous additives and adulterants should be prohibited. — Chris Carroll, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 Other adulterants also pose potential risks, especially when consumed unknowingly. — Benjamin Adams, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 In recent years, illicit drugs in the US have been cut with some high-profile and dangerous adulterants, such as the powerful veterinary sedative xylazine (aka tranq) and the yet more powerful veterinary sedative medetomidine. — ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025 In a letter reviewed by CBS News, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said that agency funding cannot be used to purchase test strips used to check drugs for dangerous adulterants like fentanyl, xylazine and medetomidine. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adulterant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adulterant

Noun

Without effective cleaning and sanitizing, these contaminants can be difficult to remove and may increase the risk of cross-contamination.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026
As mentioned, the four-color Benchy demonstrated accurate color registration with minimal visible contamination between color transitions.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026

Definition of contamination

Noun

Seventy-five chemicals and four chemical groups (microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS chemicals, and disinfection byproducts) were listed on the 2026 contaminant list.

— Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Hazardous materials crews also responded because of concerns that water used to fight the fire could carry chemicals and other contaminants into nearby storm drains.

— Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of contaminant

Noun

As whole house fans and swamp coolers can suck additional pollutants inside, the department recommends using air purifiers or air conditioners as alternatives when possible.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
The material can power reactions such as oxidizing organic molecules, potentially degrading pollutants, sterilizing surfaces, or enabling photocatalytic chemistry to continue later in the dark.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026

Definition of pollutant

Browse Nearby Words

adult

adulterant

adulterants

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“Adulterant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adulterant. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of adulterant

noun

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