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.

But she feels confident in the quality of the products she obtains because compounding pharmacies that prepare sterile injectables are required to test batches for potential contaminants and are regulated by state pharmacy boards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

We also watched a nurse rummage through a medical waste disposal box without sterile gloves.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

In habeas doctrine, the danger has always been that federal review becomes so deferential that even substantial constitutional claims are transformed into sterile questions of state-court reasonableness.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Scientists used germ-free mouse models, which are raised in completely sterile conditions without any bacteria.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

To prevent shock and infection, he would be given fluids and antibiotics intravenously through a sterile tube and needle directly into his bloodstream.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

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