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

Antimony, which can trigger gastrointestinal problems, and chromium, a known carcinogen, were present above acceptable levels in 24.3% and 20% of the toys, respectively.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2025

TCE is a known carcinogen so also a risk factor for developing cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

High Court representing more than 3,000 people alleged Johnson & Johnson, which spun off Kenvue in 2023, knowingly sold baby powder that was contaminated with asbestos, a carcinogen.

From Barron's • Oct. 17, 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