carcinogen
noun
car·cin·o·gen
kär-ˈsi-nə-jən 
ˈkär-sə-nə-ˌjen
ˈkär-sə-nə-ˌjen
: a substance or agent causing cancer
Examples of carcinogen in a Sentence
Cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens.
Recent Examples on the Web
The National Toxicology Program deemed it a likely human carcinogen decades ago.
—
David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency proposes to roll back Biden-era limits on ethylene oxide, a carcinogen often used in medical sterilization.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Bifenthrin, which attacks an insect’s nervous system and is considered a possible human carcinogen, was found on strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, collards, celery, bok choy and green beans, according to the report.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
Coal tar sealant contains toxic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which are recognized as human carcinogens, according to city officials.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for carcinogen
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.
David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency proposes to roll back Biden-era limits on ethylene oxide, a carcinogen often used in medical sterilization.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Bifenthrin, which attacks an insect’s nervous system and is considered a possible human carcinogen, was found on strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, collards, celery, bok choy and green beans, according to the report.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
Coal tar sealant contains toxic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which are recognized as human carcinogens, according to city officials.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for carcinogen
Cite this Entry
“Carcinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinogen. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
carcinogen
noun
car·cin·o·gen
kär-ˈsin-ə-jən
ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen
ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen
: a substance or agent causing cancer
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
