What is the opposite of “clean”?

What is the antonym of “clean”?

The antonyms of clean are dirty, unclean, and contaminated. These words describe the opposite of clean, which is something that is not free from dirt, dust, or impurities.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

dirty

Covered or marked with an unclean substance; not clean.

Example

The kitchen was dirty and needed a good scrubbing.

unclean

Not clean or pure; contaminated.

Example

The water in the river was unclean and not safe to drink.

contaminated

Containing harmful or unwanted substances that make it impure or unsafe.

Example

The food was contaminated with bacteria and caused everyone who ate it to get sick.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Dirty refers to something that is covered in an unclean substance, such as dirt or grime.
• 2. Unclean is a more formal term that describes something that is not clean or pure, often used in a religious or spiritual context.
• 3. Contaminated describes something that has been made impure or unsafe by the presence of harmful or unwanted substances.

Good things to know

• 1. Household Chores: Use these antonyms to describe the state of cleanliness of your home.
• 2. Food Safety: Use contaminated to describe food that is unsafe to eat due to the presence of harmful substances.
• 3. Environmental Issues: Use unclean to describe polluted air or water.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of clean are dirty, unclean, and contaminated. These words describe the opposite of clean, which is something that is not free from dirt, dust, or impurities. Use these words to describe the state of cleanliness of your home, food safety, and environmental issues.