SANITIZE Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

sanitize

verb

Definition of sanitize

as in to disinfect

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Dissimilar Words

as in to romanticize

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Dissimilar Words

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 sanitize Make Sure the Hydrogen Peroxide Sits Long Enough Hydrogen peroxide needs contact time to sanitize and bleach, so don’t rush through the cleaning process by hastily wiping hydrogen peroxide away. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 31 Aug. 2026 Clean and sanitize surfaces these animals touch, and wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, touching common surfaces or touching your mouth or face. — Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 What got a repair guy phone call while the inspector was there was a dishwasher that couldn’t sanitize dishes. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Health care workers should sanitize their hands before and after patient contact regardless of whether that contact involves a handshake, a physical examination, or a procedure. — Zain Khawaja, STAT, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanitize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanitize

Verb

Neighbors stayed away until Ebola responders came to take the sick to a clinic and disinfect their house afterward.

— Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Empty the water completely and thoroughly clean and disinfect your foot spa with soap and disinfectant after every use.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of disinfect

Verb

For generations, the French have romanticized May ’68 for its ability to break the system and create radical change for women and the working class.

— Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026
But with campaigns romanticizing the British countryside and a new mini exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum honoring one of its greatest hallmarks, the trusty trench, Burberry is fully owning its history.

— Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of romanticize

Verb

The protocol provides details on decontaminating clothing and equipment after caving.

— Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2026
Those exhibiting suspicious symptoms had samples taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis, the ministry said on Saturday, adding that the vessel was also decontaminated.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of decontaminate

Verb

Then focus on one process, real stakes and users who won’t sugarcoat it.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
But one of the few voices of reason, scientist Ganesh (Riz Ahmed, also one of the few performances allowed any nuance), speaks up to explain how that would set off a whole new chain of disasters, refusing to sugarcoat the awful truth for the public.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of sugarcoat

Verb

One eye-opening game won’t necessarily purge that thinking, and no doubt Worthy has plenty more to demonstrate.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
The law is supposed to prevent mistakes that could erroneously purge eligible voters right before an election without giving voters time to correct errors.

— Miles Parks, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of purge

Verb

Adrià describes a world filtered through adolescence, where people, places and situations can appear idealized, magical or unsettling.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026
Instead of idealizing the perfect breakthrough, climate technology must focus on ensuring its incredible solutions are also adoptable.

— Stéphane Germain, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of idealize

Verb

This allows technicians to irradiate target materials, separate the isotopes, purify the final product, and package it for transport under one roof.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Below, take a peek at the best still-available Dyson Prime Day deals, ranging from cordless stick vacuums to purifying tower fans.

— Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of purify

Cite this Entry

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“Sanitize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanitize. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sanitize

verb

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Synonyms of sanitize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to sanitize

'Clean,' 'Sanitize,' or 'Disinfect'?

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

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Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

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Games & Quizzes