filter

12 synonyms and 1 antonym for filter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

screen

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

strain

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

strainer sieve purifier sifter colander dribble percolate filtrate permeate trickle

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it.

“Rinse the coffee machine filter after each use to stop it clogging.”

strainer sieve screen purifier sifter colander

Opposites

ideal

2. verb

To pass something through a filter, or to sort and remove unwanted elements.

“You can filter the list so it only shows unread messages.”

dribble percolate strain filtrate permeate trickle

How to use filter

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

air filter water filter filter results Instagram filter

Etymology

From Medieval Latin filtrum, related to Old French feutre ("felt"), since early filters were made from felted material.

Full origin of filter →

Frequently asked questions

What does “filter” mean?

The word “filter” means a device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it. In plain terms, something that screens out unwanted material — whether from liquid, air, search results, or a photo — or the act of doing that screening.

How do you pronounce “filter”?

“Filter” is pronounced FIHL-tuh (/ˈfɪltɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “filter” in a sentence?

Here is “filter” used in a sentence: “Replace the air filter every three months.”

What is the opposite of “filter”?

The opposite of “filter” — its antonyms — is ideal.

What part of speech is “filter”?

Depending on how it is used, “filter” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “filter” come from?

The word “filter” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin filtrum, related to Old French feutre ("felt"), since early filters were made from felted material.

Is “filter” a common word?

“Filter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “filter” have?

“Filter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it.

What is the difference between a "filter" and a "sieve"?

A filter removes fine, often invisible particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it, such as water or air. A sieve is a coarser tool with holes that separates larger solids from liquids or sorts by size, like draining pasta or sifting flour.

People also searched

screen ideal strain trickle strainer colander permeate percolate filtrate purifier sieve dribble

Nearby words

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