ANTIBIOTIC Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

antibiotic 1 of 2

noun

Definition of antibiotic

as in drug

medical a substance that is used to kill harmful bacteria and to cure infections

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antibiotic

2 of 2

adjective

as in biocidal

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Dissimilar Words

as in antibacterial

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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 antibiotic

Noun

Most people with shigellosis feel better within five to seven days without antibiotics, the CDC said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 People with plague typically get at least 10 to 14 days of antibiotics. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Glanville has been transparent about her financial situation after being diagnosed with a fungal infection, a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and more. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 Organic eggs come from hens raised without routine antibiotics and on organic feed, which can reduce concerns about antibiotic use and some pesticide exposures, Manaker says. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antibiotic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antibiotic

Noun

In cell cultures, the researchers found that gamma delta T cells could kill the cancer cells when redirected by the drug.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Almost all Florida seniors will be affected as Medicare Advantage plans pare benefits and raise deductibles, while traditional Medicare sees higher Part D out-of-pocket spending caps and the elimination of $0-premium standalone drug plans.

— Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of drug

Adjective

Developed in partnership with British company Indestructible Paint, the coating consists of that firm's conventional clear gloss resin along with a 2% concentration of a broad-spectrum biocidal agent known as chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX).

— Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 23 Apr. 2025
Schuerger’s team is also expanding their tests to see how organisms respond to additional biocidal factors.

— National Geographic, National Geographic, 25 Sep. 2016

Definition of biocidal

Adjective

Scale back sulfur-rich foods, pour more water, build meals around fruits and vegetables, and keep a consistent bathing routine with antibacterial soap.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Cleveland Clinic says the most effective prevention is a consistent and thorough bathing routine with regular showers and antibacterial soap focused on areas where apocrine glands sit, like the groin and armpits.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of antibacterial

Adjective

Amid unusual heat and unrelenting winds, hundreds of firefighters worked to contain several small, but destructive fires that ignited across Southern California.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Kent said embers from burning homes can ignite nearby properties, allowing fires to spread from one structure to another and potentially contribute to larger, more destructive blazes.

— Steve Large, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of destructive

Adjective

The Whitney has a fumigation guy who uses a process called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.

— Jake Offenhartz, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Humans have known for over a hundred years that UV radiation can kill deadly germs, and hospitals have used germicidal 254-nm UVC to sterilize objects for decades.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Mar. 2023

Definition of germicidal

Noun

In Georgia, Wesley’s Law, championed by Laura and Larry Gay after their son’s death, required public schools to stock overdose-reversal medication such as naloxone.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Additionally, cancer survivors who are food-insecure are more likely to forgo medications and care because of cost.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of medication

Adjective

That changed after the devastating Glass Fire swept through Napa County in 2020, destroying parts of nearby Deer Park and threatening his community.

— Kenny Choi, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Boasting a devastating, quick attacking unit in Cole Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro, Chelsea’s instinct has been to sit back and invite opponents forward, creating gaps to exploit on the counter.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of devastating

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Style

“Antibiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antibiotic. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of antibiotic

noun

adjective

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