CONTAMINANT Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

contaminant

noun

kən-ˈta-mə-nənt

Definition of contaminant

as in contamination

something that is or that makes impure a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water

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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 contaminant The team’s findings suggest that crushing concrete and exposing it to air during recycling or shallow burial could dramatically improve its ability to immobilize radioactive contaminants. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 Middleton also reportedly avoids drinking tap water when travelling overseas because of concerns over bacteria, contaminants or unfamiliar mineral content. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 July 2026 Even drinking water, which is carefully treated and monitored, can contain trace amounts of contaminants from multiple sources, including pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals and compounds formed during water treatment. — Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 The company focuses on water treatment technologies and environmental engineering systems designed to address contaminants in natural and industrial water sources. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contaminant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contaminant

Noun

Lettuce and other leafy foods with multiple layers pose a higher risk of contamination, but with a vigorous wash and peeling the outer layers, even the greens can be saved.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Michigan health officials are encouraging people to buy whole heads of lettuce and remove outer leaves where there could be contamination before washing it.

— Erika Edwards, NBC news, 7 July 2026

Definition of contamination

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

contains

contaminant

contaminants

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

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Synonyms of contaminant

noun

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