sterile
8 antonyms and opposites of sterile, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Free from all living germs and microorganisms.
Antonyms
How to use sterile
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin sterilis, meaning "barren" or "unproductive."
Full origin of sterile →Frequently asked questions
What does “sterile” mean?
The word “sterile” means free from all living germs and microorganisms. In plain terms, either germ-free, unable to reproduce, or (figuratively) dull and unproductive.
How do you pronounce “sterile”?
“Sterile” is pronounced STEH-ryl (/ˈstɛɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “sterile” in a sentence?
Here is “sterile” used in a sentence: “The surgeon worked in a completely sterile operating room.”
What is another word for “sterile”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sterile” include fruitless.
What is the opposite of “sterile”?
The opposite of “sterile” — its antonyms — are fertile, non-sterile, nonsterile, unsterile and fecund.
What part of speech is “sterile”?
“Sterile” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sterile” come from?
The word “sterile” comes from Latin. From Latin sterilis, meaning "barren" or "unproductive.".
Is “sterile” a common word?
“Sterile” is an uncommon word in modern English.