1
as in residue
a remaining group or portion
They tested for chemical residuals in the water.
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2
as in reminder
a lingering indication of something from the past
Some modern traditions are residuals of ancient beliefs and rituals.
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as in lingering
still existing or happening after something is completed or removed
The oven was still warm with residual heat. The area is still dealing with the residual effects of the flood.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of residual
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
Reruns and syndication were barely a thing, so the contracts were just not conducive to residuals.
—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Meyer found Lloyd was overcompensating at his ankle and hip, in part due to residual deficits in his knee from a 2020 ACL tear suffered while playing for South Carolina.
—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
Coal ash, or coal combustion residuals, is the mineral residue left after burning coal to generate electricity.
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ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
Reruns and syndication were barely a thing, so the contracts were just not conducive to residuals.
—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
Adjective
After 25 years, the voice behind Josie and the Pussycats (2001) is calling out SAG-AFTRA over missing residual payments.
—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Meyer found Lloyd was overcompensating at his ankle and hip, in part due to residual deficits in his knee from a 2020 ACL tear suffered while playing for South Carolina.
—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
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Among the 33 chemicals the EPA will require water utilities to test for are seven PFAS, or forever chemicals, and three pesticide residues.
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In many areas, crop residue is left on fields after harvest, and root systems remain in place year-round, reducing the risk of large-scale wind erosion.
Noun
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Both human and artificial, and tantalizingly difficult to parse, the screams puncture the track’s otherwise steamy atmosphere, like a reminder of reality in the middle of a dreamy reverie.
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Need a reminder of what the festivities and events mean for traffic and road shutdowns and detours?
Adjective
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Thomas missed 57 games last season, mostly because of the same lingering left hamstring issue.
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On the one hand, that means that many survive the disease without serious lingering effects.
Noun
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In addition to remnants of textile production, the Søften dig turned up silver scraps, coins and pearls that testify to trade and economic activity in the region.
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In what is now the desert Southwest, Velarde was born among the remnants of the Spanish empire and lived under the flags of Mexico and Texas; briefly, the Confederacy, though his family opposed it; and finally, under the stars and stripes of the United States of America.
Adjective
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Still, Steve left a lasting legacy in Holden's life, beyond simply the scholarship.
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Moreover, the most lasting benefits typically occur when the technique is used as part of a comprehensive CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) program rather than as a standalone strategy.
Noun
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Priceless artifacts stolen from these temples would then end up in the hands of unscrupulous antiquities dealers.
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Or was the hole man-made with a malevolent intent, perhaps plundering a grave for artifacts?
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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