carcinogen

[kahr-sin-uh-juhn, -jen, kahr-suh-nuh-jen, -noh-] / kɑrˈsɪn ə dʒən, -ˌdʒɛn, ˈkɑr sə nəˌdʒɛn, -noʊ- /

NOUN

cancer-causing agent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

poison toxin

STRONG

killer mutagen

WEAK

deadly chemical health hazard

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.

Its active ingredient is glyphosate, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a unit of the World Health Organization, identified in 2015 as a probable human carcinogen.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers glyphosate, one of Roundup's ingredients, a probable human carcinogen, but Bayer says scientific studies and regulatory approvals show the weedkiller is safe.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies PCE as a probable carcinogen.

From Science Daily • Nov. 12, 2025

Even though the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative finding on nonfatal breast cancer wasn’t statistically significant, it triggered a media frenzy and led the public to view HRT as a carcinogen rather than a lifesaving medication.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025

A substance that is not a carcinogen in the ordinary sense may disturb the normal functioning of some part of the body in such a way that malignancy results.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson