contaminate

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.

The European Medicines Agency has previously warned that these substances could contaminate ecosystems, although detailed information about how much of the drugs enter the environment remains limited.

From Science Daily • Feb. 22, 2026

Informal recycling is rife with hazards -- open burning, acid baths and unprotected dismantling expose workers to toxic fumes and contaminate soil and water.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Some ranchers worry that wastewater might contaminate sources of groundwater and imperil their operations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Flooding could overwhelm sewage systems and contaminate water supplies.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

If you haven’t been keeping the tree suspended in memory, the word islands, which is ringing in your mind’s ear just before you type the verb, will contaminate the number you give the verb.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker