For objects or environments:
* Clean
* Disinfected
* Sanitized
* Aseptic
* Germ-free
* Uncontaminated
* Barren (for land)
For people:
* Infertile
* Unproductive
* Impotent (for males)
* Barren (for women)
For ideas or discussions:
* Unproductive
* Fruitless
* Uninspiring
For medical contexts:
* Aseptic
* Bacteriostatic
The best synonym for "sterile" will depend on the specific meaning you are trying to convey.