FILTER Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

filter 1 of 2

verb

Definition of filter

as in to strain

to pass through a filter steep the tea and then filter it to get rid of the leaves

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to clarify

to remove usually visible impurities from after frying the chicken, we filtered the oil and kept it in the refrigerator to use again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

filter

2 of 2

noun

as in purifier

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of filter

Verb

But vaccines are filtered through a purification process during production, meaning no fetal tissue ends up in the final product. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Even our vulnerability now arrives edited, filtered, captioned, and optimized for engagement. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Noun

Sometimes, it is also used during medical procedures, like blood transfusion and hemodialysis (a medical procedure that helps the body filter waste when the kidneys can't). — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Zero Company meaningfully explores these themes, using a ragtag band of outcasts as a filter to view them. — Hayes Madsen, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for filter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for filter

Verb

Last week, City & State reported payments were late again this year in 3-K and Pre-K, and The New York Times later reported the same setbacks were also straining the new 2-K pilot program, renewing scrutiny of the delays.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
In June, after Bitcoin’s downturn strained the model, Strategy created a new financial backstop.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of strain

Verb

In a statement, an Axel Springer spokesperson clarified that The Circuit was technically incorporated in the US, with staff located around the world.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Pabst also originally posted that a truck was stolen, though company officials later clarified no vehicle went missing.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of clarify

Noun

Both models use Fresh-In to actively draw outdoor air into the room and filter it before delivery, rather than simply recirculating existing indoor air like a conventional air purifier.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2026
With its 350-degree oscillation, the air purifier can cover your space, too.

— George Yang, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of purifier

Verb

The movies will screen at about 200 AMC locations, among other chains.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
On Wednesday, NewsCord — a news comparison and media monitoring platform — started a campaign urging cinemas around the world to refuse to screen the film, emailing major chains with the request on behalf of those who register.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of screen

Verb

After dipping its toes into beauty, Old Navy has refined its strategy and is gearing up for a nationwide rollout.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Working with Tielemans may also see Baleba further refine his long-passing skills, giving another important tool to a United side most dangerous on the counter-attack.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of refine

Noun

Besides toning color, this shampoo acts as a gentle clarifier, removing product buildup from the roots and hair that can make your hair appear dull and greasy.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 June 2026
One began in March after the department received an anonymous complaint about a valve on an aqua ammonia clarifier tank, not the same tank involved in the explosion, the department said.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Definition of clarifier

Verb

Early in this year’s war, the United States and Israel considered launching ground operations to extract nuclear material but never initiated them, judging them to be highly risky and unlikely to affect the regime’s decision-making.

— Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
With the clock racing down to find Joe before she's extracted out of the country to her death, the team launches an assault against an airport hangar.

— David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of extract

Noun

Sinopec, the world’s largest oil refiner, posted a surge in profit for the first half of the year, reaching nearly $4 billion despite the company’s heavy reliance on crude from the Persian Gulf.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Another large refiner, Phillips 66, has seen its stock rise 66%.

— Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of refiner

Browse Nearby Words

filmy

filter

filtered

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Filter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filter. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of filter

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on filter

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes