Definitions

contaminant

[kuhn-tam-uh-nuhnt] / kənˈtæm ə nənt /

NOUN

contaminator

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contamination impurity poison pollutant toxin

STRONG

adulterant

WEAK

foreign matter

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.

More broadly, the study shows how a bacterial molecule can change human immune function by incorporating a contaminant.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

He said the research shows “that contaminant levels on aircraft are generally low and that health and safety standards are met.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 14, 2025

Bowen also recommended reaching out to specific brands and asking them about contaminant levels in their products.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2025

The bacteria Bacillus cereus was found to be the contaminant in the cause of all three deaths.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2024

Water pollution experts throughout the United States are concerned by the fact that detergents are now a troublesome and practically universal contaminant of public water supplies.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Vocabulary lists containing contaminant

Part 3 Vocabulary (Unit 2)

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