pollute

Definition of pollutenext

Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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 This is because hot sunny conditions also aid the formation of super pollutants, like tropospheric zone, black carbon and methane, which pollute the air, causing impacting human health and damage to crops. Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 In a highly unusual move, the US Justice Department has urged a federalcourt to throw out a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s company xAI for its use of polluting gas turbines — sparking concerns the government is trying to undermine the ability of individuals or communities to sue polluters. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 Perversely, this exemption may encourage companies to switch to highly-polluting diesel engines to avoid idling fines. Chris Hartmann, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026 In the Sunshine State, there is no good reason to keep polluting, high-maintenance coal generators in service. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pollute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollute
Verb
  • Intestinal infections, which caused severe diarrhea and dehydration, were common in 1776 because of poor sanitation and contaminated food and water, especially in military camps, per NIH and NLM.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • It is caused by eating or drinking food contaminated with either bacteria, viruses, parasites or a harmful toxin.
    Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The special bond between Supergirl and her scruffy animal sidekick becomes a key plot point in Kara’s new solo movie, where Krypto is poisoned by space outlaw Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts).
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Kara Zor-El (Alcock) goes on a planet-hopping mission to save her beloved Krypto – with young and vengeful girl Ruthye (Eve Ridley) in tow – after he’s poisoned by the villainous Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts).
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • That experience is quickly tainted, however, once dullness and yellowing set into the fabrics.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • Murdaugh’s attorneys appealed the convictions, saying the trial was tainted by the county clerk Becky Hill’s inappropriate comments to jurors implying his guilt.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pollute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollute. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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