What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disinfectant
Example
The hospital uses a strong disinfectant to clean the operating room. [disinfectant: noun]
Example
She sprayed the disinfectant on the kitchen counter to kill any germs. [disinfectant: adjective]
sanitizer
Example
He used hand sanitizer before entering the classroom. [sanitizer: noun]
Example
The restaurant provided hand sanitizer for customers to use before and after their meal. [sanitizer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sanitizer is more commonly used than disinfectant in everyday language, especially in the context of personal hygiene and hand cleaning. However, disinfectant is more commonly used in medical facilities and household cleaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disinfectant and sanitizer?
Disinfectant is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is commonly used in medical and professional settings. Sanitizer is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
