Synonyms of pollute

pollute

verb

pə-ˈlüt 

as in to contaminate

to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable

outmoded factories polluting the air

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contaminate
• poison
• taint
• befoul
• infect
• defile
• dirty
• foul
• soil
• dilute
• sully
• stain
• besmirch
• blacken
• muddy
• smudge
• adulterate
• spoil
• rot
• corrupt
• foul up
• mire
• water down
• smirch
• grime
• begrime
• doctor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• purify
• clean
• clarify
• cleanse
• purge
• clear
• distill
• decontaminate
• filter
• sterilize
• distil
• disinfect
• sanitize

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

Recent Examples of pollute

In February 2019, the South Florida Water Management District fined developers about $8,000 for polluting the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. —Gianna Montesano, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025

Expanding outdated, polluting infrastructure exacerbates climate change and threatens our future. —Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025

Aside from the methane smell that permeates the area around the landfill and the dust that pollutes our air, the decaying trash is most certainly leaching into the Biscayne Aquifer, the source of our drinking water. —Jacqueline Railey, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2025

Home Electrification Fair Learn how to make your home healthier and more comfortable, while saving money and polluting less at the Home Electrification Fair. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025