STERILE Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

sterile

adjective

ˈster-əl

Definition of sterile

as in barren

not able to produce fruit or offspring sterile couples sometimes choose to adopt needy children the apple tree turned out to be sterile, never yielding a crop of apples

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as in sanitary

free from filth, infection, or dangers to health the hospitals in the war-torn city often lack necessary drugs and sterile surgical supplies

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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 sterile The second stories house supplies of the metals, films, and components needed, as well as a very substantial set of HVAC equipment to keep the processes sterile, dust-free, and at the right temperature. — John Voelcker, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026 Right now yeast fermentation is the standard method of producing heme (as leghemoglobin), but the sterile environment and industrial equipment necessary for manufacturing can be pricey. — Lila Magbilang, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026 Dozens of people died, and investigators later found severe safety lapses in the pharmacy’s production of sterile drugs. — Alana Semuels, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 Asha Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug If your patio is feeling sterile, layering in accents like an outdoor rug is the key to achieving a cozier vibe. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sterile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterile

Adjective

These bright spots in an otherwise barren season for curve representation weren’t necessarily novel.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
Research into turning Martian dust into material that supports plant growth highlights how much work remains to make barren planetary materials useful for agriculture.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of barren

Adjective

Attempting to de-escalate the scare, Rospotrebnadzor declared the regional sanitary situation stable after secondary testing showed no traces of dangerous pathogens linked to Shipilova’s research.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
As the war raged on, this makeshift countermeasure was replaced by more sanitary and effective innovations, including gauze pads soaked in hyposulfite solution, flannel hoods, tube helmets, and box respirators.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of sanitary

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stereotyping

sterile

sterility

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

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Synonyms of sterile

adjective

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