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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sterile While both undergo steps in manufacturing to eliminate potentially harmful microorganisms, liquid infant formula in ready-to-feed bottles undergoes an additional sterility step to become commercially sterile. — Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Keep sterile saline eye drops in your first aid kit for this emergency. — Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Daily disposable lenses are made for single use, whereas reusable lenses require regular disinfection in sterile solution and storage in clean cases. — Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Matching furniture sets may feel cookie-cutter and sterile, instead of warm. — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sterile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterile

Adjective

Without vegetation, a barren burn scar allows runoff to flow more quickly.

— Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
At the rocky, barren peninsula of Depotodden, though, there was an uncomfortable reminder that even this remote coastline is connected to the rest of the world.

— Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of barren

Adjective

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
Here’s what our pros recommend for dusting your bedroom to keep it sanitary and easy to breathe in.

— Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of sanitary

Browse Nearby Words

stereotyping

sterile

sterility

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sterile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterile. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sterile

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on sterile

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes