POLLUTE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'pollute' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pollute are contaminate , defile , and taint . While all these words mean "to make impure or unclean," pollute , sometimes interchangeable with contaminate , distinctively may imply that the process which begins with contamination is complete and that what was pure or clean has been made foul, poisoned, or filthy. // the polluted waters of the river

Q: When can 'contaminate' be used instead of 'pollute'?

The words contaminate and pollute can be used in similar contexts, but contaminate implies intrusion of or contact with dirt or foulness from an outside source. // water contaminated by industrial wastes

Q: When is 'defile' a more appropriate choice than 'pollute'?

The words defile and pollute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defile implies befouling of what could or should have been kept clean and pure or held sacred and commonly suggests violation or desecration. // defile a hero's memory with slanderous innuendo

Q: When is it sensible to use 'taint' instead of 'pollute'?

The synonyms taint and pollute are sometimes interchangeable, but taint stresses the loss of purity or cleanliness that follows contamination. // tainted meat // a politician's tainted reputation

pollute

verb

pə-ˈlüt

Definition of pollute next

as in to contaminate

to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable outmoded factories polluting the air

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How does the verb pollute contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pollute are contaminate, defile, and taint. While all these words mean "to make impure or unclean," pollute, sometimes interchangeable with contaminate, distinctively may imply that the process which begins with contamination is complete and that what was pure or clean has been made foul, poisoned, or filthy.

the polluted waters of the river

When can contaminate be used instead of pollute?

The words contaminate and pollute can be used in similar contexts, but contaminate implies intrusion of or contact with dirt or foulness from an outside source.

water contaminated by industrial wastes

When is defile a more appropriate choice than pollute?

The words defile and pollute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defile implies befouling of what could or should have been kept clean and pure or held sacred and commonly suggests violation or desecration.

defile a hero's memory with slanderous innuendo

When is it sensible to use taint instead of pollute?

The synonyms taint and pollute are sometimes interchangeable, but taint stresses the loss of purity or cleanliness that follows contamination.

tainted meat

a politician's tainted reputation

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pollute Their waste pollutes our water, harms sea life and creates awful conditions for people living nearby. —

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2024 In April, the EPA cracked down on polluting cities and companies, setting legal limits on PFAS in drinking water. —

Chris Stokel-Walker, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 One of them, Galena Park, is near the Ship Channel, an area east of downtown known for its close proximity to polluting petrochemical plants and flood risks. —

Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 18 Oct. 2024 Generally that term refers to – and often legitimately – harm imposed on poorer neighborhoods as polluting industries encroach. —

Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pollute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollute

Verb

The auto industry's struggles over these years led to high crime, municipal financial emergencies, and, as if things couldn't get worse, lead contaminated the city's water.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Heavy metal contamination: In addition to mercury, sardines may be contaminated by other heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead.

Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024