Sanitary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē/ san·i·tary

Meaning & Definition of Sanitary

Sanitary (adjective)

  1. of or relating to health
  2. of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste
  3. characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness

Sanitary (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. free from filth, infection, or dangers to health

    "the nurse made sure that everything in the room was sanitary so that the baby wouldn't get sick"

    similar: aseptic, germfree, hygienic, sterile
    related: germproof, antibacterial, antibiotic, antiseptic, germicidal, microbicidal, clean, immaculate, pristine, spick-and-span, spotless, squeaky-clean, stainless, unsoiled, unstained, unsullied, beneficial, healthful, healthy, restorative, salubrious, salutary, salutiferous, wholesome, pure, taintless, undefiled, unpolluted, untainted, abluted, bleached, cleansed, purified, scrubbed, washed, whitened
    opposite: germy, insanitary, unhygienic, unsanitary, unsterile
    near: infectious, miasmic, pathogenetic, pathogenic, poisonous, sickening, toxic, bedraggled, besmirched, dingy, dirty, draggled, dusty, filthy, foul, grimy, grubby, grungy, mucky, muddy, nasty, smirched, soiled, sordid, stained, sullied, unclean, uncleanly, unwashed, insalubrious, noxious, unhealthful, unhealthy, unwholesome, defiled, polluted, tainted, unsterilized

Related Entry: Sanitary landfill (noun)

Sanitary landfill is a different word from Sanitary. The synonyms below are for sanitary landfill, not for sanitary.

  1. a place where discarded materials (as trash) are dumped

    "even after many years in sanitary landfills, disposable diapers have proven to be resistant to decomposition"

    similar: dump, landfill, tip (chiefly British)
    related: dustbin, dustheap, junkyard, kitchen midden, midden, transfer station, mess, pigpen, pigsty, sty

Related Entry: Sanitary landfills (noun)

Sanitary landfills is a different word from Sanitary. The synonyms below are for sanitary landfills, not for sanitary.

  1. a place where discarded materials (as trash) are dumped

    "even after many years in sanitary landfills, disposable diapers have proven to be resistant to decomposition"

    similar: dumps, landfills, tips (chiefly British)
    related: dustbins, dustheaps, junkyards, kitchen middens, middens, transfer stations, messes, pigpens, pigsties, sties

Related Entry: Landfill (noun)

Landfill is a different word from Sanitary. The synonyms below are for landfill, not for sanitary.

  1. a place where discarded materials (as trash) are dumped

    "we took all of our old, broken furniture to the landfill"

    similar: dump, sanitary landfill, tip (chiefly British)
    related: dustbin, dustheap, junkyard, kitchen midden, midden, transfer station, mess, pigpen, pigsty, sty

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sanitary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sanitary:

aseptic, germfree, hygienic, sterile

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Sanitary

Words with the opposite meaning of Sanitary:

germy, insanitary, unhygienic, unsanitary, unsterile

Related Words for Sanitary

germproof, antibacterial, antibiotic, antiseptic, germicidal, microbicidal, clean, immaculate, pristine, spick-and-span, spotless, squeaky-clean, stainless, unsoiled, unstained, unsullied, beneficial, healthful, healthy, restorative, salubrious, salutary, salutiferous, wholesome, pure, taintless, undefiled, unpolluted, untainted, abluted

Near Antonyms of Sanitary

infectious, miasmic, pathogenetic, pathogenic, poisonous, sickening, toxic, bedraggled, besmirched, dingy, dirty, draggled, dusty, filthy, foul, grimy, grubby, grungy, mucky, muddy, nasty, smirched, soiled, sordid, stained, sullied, unclean, uncleanly, unwashed, insalubrious

Word Forms of Sanitary

Derived words: sanitarily (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Sanitary

French sanitaire, from Latin sanitas

First known use: 1816

Words & Phrases Containing Sanitary

sanitary landfill, sanitary napkin, sanitary ware, sanitary facilities

Frequently Asked Questions about Sanitary

What does "Sanitary" mean?

"Sanitary" means of or relating to health. As an adjective, it is defined as: of or relating to health.

What is another word for "Sanitary"?

Other words for "Sanitary" include aseptic, germfree, hygienic and sterile. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Sanitary" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Sanitary"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Sanitary". Common alternatives include aseptic, germfree, hygienic and sterile.

What is the opposite of "Sanitary"?

Antonyms of "Sanitary" include germy, insanitary, unhygienic, unsanitary and unsterile. Near antonyms include infectious, miasmic, pathogenetic and pathogenic.

How do you use "Sanitary" in a sentence?

Examples of "Sanitary" in a sentence: "the nurse made sure that everything in the room was sanitary so that the baby wouldn't get sick".

Is "Sanitary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Sanitary" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Sanitary"?

"Sanitary" is pronounced /ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē/ and divided into syllables as san·i·tary.

What is the origin of the word "Sanitary"?

"Sanitary" comes from French sanitaire, from Latin sanitas. First known use: 1816.