infertile

adjective

(ˈ)in-ˈfər-tᵊl How to pronounce infertile (audio)
Definition of infertilenext
1
as in sterile
not able to produce fruit or offspring an infertile cow is of limited use to a farmer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in barren
producing inferior or only a small amount of vegetation only parched, infertile fields remained after months of drought

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 infertile To make the science as simple as possible, a 2018 study found that rats that were fed TPO became infertile among a slew of other health issues. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026 The fact that [Ruben] is infertile and what that means to his manhood, and his ability to be masculine and reproduce and have a son. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026 Women of ideal reproductive age who are infertile, while others in their 40s have no problem conceiving. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 20 May 2026 In the year 2027 (which is somehow just one year from now, please stop, passage of time), Children of Men imagines a world where women have been infertile for years, dooming humanity to a slow extinction. — Grace Dean, Space.com, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for infertile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infertile
  1. sterile
  2. barren
  3. desolate
  4. impoverished
  5. poor
  6. unfertile
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of sterile
Adjective
  • Centered on the town of Bawiti, this remote depression in Egypt’s Western Desert is surrounded by barren hills, date palms, hot springs and sweeping desert landscapes.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In Samuel Beckett's tragicomedy, two men wait beside a barren tree for someone called Godot who never arrives.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of barren
Adjective
  • As filmmakers, they were drawn to the unexpected beauty of the desolate, postindustrial landscape.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Obscenities, the referee’s whistle, and the thud of boots into balls—and sometimes shins—easily carry across these desolate fields.
    — Vanda Mayer, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of desolate
Adjective
  • The impoverished Reds work as slave labor in the mines of Mars, while the super-strong Golds rule the solar system and war on each other.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecutors accuse him of participating in schemes to divert hundreds of millions of dollars from Venezuelan government programs intended to provide housing, food and other necessities to the country’s impoverished population.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of impoverished
Adjective
  • Measles usually kills two or three people in every 1,000 cases, the WHO says, but the disease can be more deadly in poorer nations because of factors such as malnutrition.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • That receiver sends that poor defender into next week at the pylon.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • Movies based on videogames, once unfertile IP for Hollywood at the box office, have blossomed in recent years.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 9 June 2025
Definition of unfertile

Browse Nearby Words

infers
infertile
infertility
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Cite this Entry

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

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