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.

This method, known as the Sterile Insect Technique, has been in use for many years to control a variety of insect populations, including fruit flies and mosquitos.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

The second protein, SARM1 -- short for Sterile Alpha and TIR Motif-containing 1 -- has long been linked to axon degeneration.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

Sterile discussions about policy can mask the moral injury that is being done there.

From Salon • Dec. 16, 2024

Sterile cabin procedures apply to anything below 10,000 feet, said independent aviation analyst Jose Suarez.

From Reuters • Aug. 26, 2022

Sterile soil is often covered by extensive growths of this charming shrubby tree which spreads by underground root-stocks.

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen

Vocabulary lists containing sterile

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