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.

He has gutted the bathroom attached to the Lincoln Bedroom in the White House’s private quarters, altering its green Art Deco tile work to a sterile marble with gold fixtures.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

The material was then dialyzed, sterile filtered, and freeze dried.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

“These are sterile stuff that you’re supposed to inject in your body,” says Pai-Verma.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

"Due to poorly-planned development, the overuse of pesticides and the practice of creating sterile and lifeless outdoor spaces, wildlife is now disappearing and people are becoming disconnected from nature." said Surrey Wildlife Trust's Claire Harris.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Although, against the sterile bandage, the hem of his undershorts looks filthy and teeming with contagion.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Vocabulary lists containing sterile

The Handmaid's Tale

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Boy: Tales of Childhood

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