CONTAMINATION Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

contamination

noun

kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of contamination

as in contaminant

something that is or that makes impure swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized

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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 contamination After the Eaton Fire, Altadena residents confront toxic contamination in homes insurers insist are safe to inhabit. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026 Riles suggests storing raw meat in its own container away from other foods to reduce the risk of contamination. — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2026 Under that time pressure, the team had to carefully handle the precious DNA to prevent the risk of contamination on their descent. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 Containing pollution, especially gas and chemical contamination, can prove to be wily, requiring ongoing monitoring and fixes. — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contamination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contamination

Noun

Smelters reject or penalize this dangerous contaminant, forcing miners to destroy it using energy-intensive, high-emission furnaces.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
Toxicology testing also revealed that Jackie had environmental contaminants and traces of a rodenticide called brodifacoum in her liver.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of contaminant

Noun

Without a mask, without fear of needing lung implants, without having to worry about inhaling a soupçon of strychnine or similar industrial pollutants.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Gas and coal power plants also emit air pollutants and the greenhouse gases causing climate change, leading to more health costs.

— Justine Calma, The Verge, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of pollutant

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contaminating

contamination

contaminations

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“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contamination. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of contamination

noun

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