Synonyms for

Antibiotic

Verb / ˌænti:baɪˈɑ:tɪk / / ˌæntaɪbaɪˈɑ:tɪk / Another word for antibiotic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Antibiotic is a medicine that helps to kill bacteria in the body.

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • broad-spectrum antibiotic
  • antibiotic resistance
  • antibiotic treatment
  • antibiotic resistance genes
  • antibiotic sensitivity
  • antibiotic stewardship
  • antibiotic drug

Word family

adjective antibiotic

Usage note

Antibiotic is primarily used as a noun referring to a drug that kills or inhibits bacteria. As an adjective, it describes substances with such properties.

Example sentences

  1. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat the infection.
  2. You should always finish a full course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better.
  3. Some people are allergic to certain antibiotics.
  4. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
  5. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Quotes

  • The time may come when penicillin can be bought by anyone in the shops. Then there is the danger that the ignorant man may easily underdose himself and by exposing his microbes to non-lethal quantities of the drug make them resistant. - Alexander Fleming
  • The discovery of antibiotics was a huge advance in medicine. The ability to cure infections that killed millions of people over centuries was a turning point in the history of medicine. - John L. Fahey
  • The rise of antibiotic-resistant infections is a serious threat to public health - Anthony Fauci

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