Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

become contaminated

VERB
decay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
atrophy corrode decompose degenerate discolor disintegrate dissolve dwindle fade get worse lessen mortify pollute rot shrivel wane wither
STRONG
blight collapse curdle decline defile depreciate dry-rot fail mildew mold molder perish putrefy sap sicken sink slump spoil suppurate turn weaken
WEAK
be impaired break up go bad go to seed go to the dogs hit rock bottom hit the skids pejorate putresce reach depths waste away wear away
Antonyms
STRONGEST
brighten build color combine develop enlarge expand extend grow improve increase put together raise strengthen unite
STRONG
ascend help make well prosper rise
WEAK
flourish germinate ripen

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.

See Examples For:

This research is the first to clearly show how forests become contaminated with microplastics and to directly connect that contamination to particles transported through the air.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 23, 2026

I guess I should never grow to value any popular music, because it will always become contaminated by the Super Bowl.

From Slate ● Feb. 8, 2026

There are various ways bleed air can become contaminated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2025

Fresh produce may also become contaminated during packaging, preparation or storage.

From Salon ● Aug. 12, 2024

Large lots of green coffee in burlap bags have become contaminated while being transported by vessels also carrying a cargo of insecticides.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training