antiseptic

[an-tuh-sep-tik] / ˌæn təˈsɛp tɪk /

ADJECTIVE

completely clean, uncontaminated; decontaminating

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hygienic sterile

STRONG

antibacterial antibiotic clean disinfectant prophylactic

WEAK

aseptic bactericidal germ-destroying germ-free germicidal medicated pure purifying sanitary sterilized sterilizing unpolluted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dirty

WEAK

contaminated polluted unclean unsanitary unsterile

NOUN

decontaminating agent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disinfectant preservative

STRONG

bactericide detergent germicide preventative preventive prophylactic purifier sterilizer

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If possible, wash the wound with soap and water; avoid using antiseptic wipes, which may irritate the wound.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Mark Joseph Stern: It sounds antiseptic, but it’s absolutely atrocious.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

In an age before antiseptic, opening up the body almost always led to infection and death.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

But these once surefire hits have never been so limp and antiseptic.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2025

A first-aid kit with bandages and tubes of antiseptic paste and small scissors.

From "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen