What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sterilant
Example
The hospital uses a sterilant to ensure that all surgical instruments are free from any harmful microorganisms. [sterilant: noun]
Example
The sterilant solution is effective against a wide range of microorganisms. [sterilant: adjective]
sanitizer
Example
Make sure to use a hand sanitizer before touching any shared surfaces. [sanitizer: noun]
Example
The restaurant staff regularly sanitizes the tables and chairs to ensure a clean and safe dining experience. [sanitizes: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sanitizer is more commonly used than sterilant in everyday language. Sanitizer is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sterilant is less common and mainly used in medical and industrial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sterilant and sanitizer?
Sterilant is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while sanitizer is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.