Synonyms for

Contaminated

Verb / kʌˈntæmʌˌneɪtɪd / Another word for contaminated — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Contaminated means something that is polluted, dirty, or impure.

Synonyms & similar words

contaminate decontaminate pollute uncontaminated polluted foul polluted unclean dirty impure fouled infected tainted spoiled defiled adulterated poisoned corrupted degraded unhygienic unsanitary unsanitized septic germy virus-ridden diseased

Synonyms by register

Formal

polluted defiled tainted impure

Informal

spoiled soiled messed up ruined

Literary

besmirched fouled marred

Antonyms

pure clean untainted sterile unpolluted sanitary pristine

Common collocations

  • water contaminated
  • air contaminated
  • food contaminated
  • soil contaminated
  • surface contaminated
  • highly contaminated
  • severely contaminated

Word family

noun contamination
verb contaminate
adjective contaminated
adverb contaminately

Usage note

Often used in contexts related to health, environment, or food safety. Be careful not to confuse with 'disinfected' which implies a process of killing germs, whereas 'contaminated' simply means something has been made impure or harmful.

Example sentences

  1. The air near the factory was contaminated with chemicals.
  2. The water in the lake was contaminated with bacteria.
  3. The food was contaminated with mold.
  4. The soil was contaminated with heavy metals.
  5. The medicine was contaminated with a harmful substance.

Quotes

  • The world is being contaminated by greed.
  • The future is worth a little pollution.
  • We can't undo the damage that has already been done, but we can stop it from getting worse.

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