Definitions

sterile

[ster-il, -ahyl] / ˈstɛr ɪl, -aɪl /

ADJECTIVE

unproductive, clean

Synonyms

STRONGEST

antiseptic arid barren bleak desolate futile hygienic impotent infertile

WEAK

aseptic bare dead decontaminated desert disinfected dry effete empty fallow fruitless gaunt germ-free infecund pasteurized sanitary septic sterilized unfruitful uninfected unprofitable unprolific vain waste without issue

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful contaminated fertile fruitful potent productive profitable unclean unsanitary unsterile

WEAK

dirty

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.

Built of cold, modern concrete, it stands as a permanent, if somewhat sterile, monument to a difficult past, with my grandfather’s name inscribed in the center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Strict temperature controls and workers in protective suits ensure that medicines are handled under sterile conditions and in guaranteed cold chains.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

The active ingredients in the drugs would be manufactured at an FDA-registered facility subject to inspection, and compounders are overseen by state boards of pharmacies to ensure sterile conditions.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Nearly three hours, the length of a feature film, shot in a sterile diplomatic holding area at Ben Gurion Airport.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2026

She was afraid the sterile towel would slip from his head.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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