1
as in barren
not able to produce fruit or offspring
sterile couples sometimes choose to adopt needy children the apple tree turned out to be sterile, never yielding a crop of apples
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2
as in sanitary
free from filth, infection, or dangers to health
the hospitals in the war-torn city often lack necessary drugs and sterile surgical supplies
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Recent Examples of sterile
Given this political trend, Sanders has made a terrific-looking but sterile movie.
—
Armond White, National Review, 26 Feb. 2025
Surrounded by a blank white glare, Amato would open sterile metal tubes to capture the mist.
—Carl Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Instead it was held in the sterile surrounds of Dubai due to strict policy from the nationalistic Indian government that does not allow its sports teams to travel to Pakistan.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
This is because unlike polished surfaces which can look and feel cold and sterile, these matte finishes add depth and introduce softness into a kitchen.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterile
Armond White, National Review, 26 Feb. 2025
Surrounded by a blank white glare, Amato would open sterile metal tubes to capture the mist.
—Carl Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
Instead it was held in the sterile surrounds of Dubai due to strict policy from the nationalistic Indian government that does not allow its sports teams to travel to Pakistan.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
This is because unlike polished surfaces which can look and feel cold and sterile, these matte finishes add depth and introduce softness into a kitchen.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterile
Cite this Entry
“Sterile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterile. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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