1
as in wastefulness
an instance of spending money or resources without care or restraint
it seems like a waste to spend my entire paycheck on a bigger TV
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in garbage
discarded or useless material
gathered up the waste when he was finished sewing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in desert
land that is uninhabited or not fit for crops
an area that was a barren waste after the strip-mining had ended
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4
as in dung
solid matter discharged from an animal's alimentary canal
a local ordinance requiring dog owners to properly dispose of their pet's waste
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5
as in expansion
a wide space or area
a legendary mariner doomed to sail the watery wastes of the world until Judgment Day
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6
as in erosion
a gradual weakening, loss, or destruction
the slow waste of the once broad beach by the relentless tide
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to spend
to use up carelessly
he wasted his lottery winnings on booze-soaked nights with gold diggers
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2
as in to ruin
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
one country attempting to waste another
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3
as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of
endless months of inactivity wasted him
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in barren
producing inferior or only a small amount of vegetation
waste acreage that was not fit for anything
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of waste
Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Labor divide The Missouri Workers Center and its affiliate groups argue that the stadium is a waste of public tax dollars that should go toward other city needs.
—Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
Sarah Miller, New Yorker, 20 June 2026
That's because fluids like cold water help move food and waste through the digestive tract, waking up the gastrointestinal (GI) system and preparing it for efficient digestion for the rest of the day.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 June 2026
Maddalena Fossati, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Local laws and supplier audits The OECD has called on Shein to publish further public information about its compliance with France’s anti-waste law (AGEC), which aims to move businesses toward greater circularity.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waste
Noun
Why a regular bin often falls short A regular trash can may work for everyday household waste, but diapers are different.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Labor divide The Missouri Workers Center and its affiliate groups argue that the stadium is a waste of public tax dollars that should go toward other city needs.
—Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
Verb
One out of ten times, I got wasted.
—Sarah Miller, New Yorker, 20 June 2026
That's because fluids like cold water help move food and waste through the digestive tract, waking up the gastrointestinal (GI) system and preparing it for efficient digestion for the rest of the day.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 June 2026
Adjective
Breakfast is served in the Heritage Room, and is never too copious, in line with the hotel's anti-waste policy.
—Maddalena Fossati, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Local laws and supplier audits The OECD has called on Shein to publish further public information about its compliance with France’s anti-waste law (AGEC), which aims to move businesses toward greater circularity.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waste
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waste
Noun
-
Sure enough, Spurs’ wastefulness was punished.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
Gabriel also acknowledged lawmakers’ responsibility to oversee state spending seriously as well, and would be scrutinizing government programs for wastefulness.—
Andrew Graham,
Sacbee.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Take Out the Trash Empty garbage bins and recycling from all rooms—not just the kitchen and bath—and don’t forget special receptacles like compost, diaper pails, and litter boxes.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
-
In her own yard, Mingrone has learned that cracked lids on garbage containers allow water to pool after a rain, setting up a major breeding ground.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Wild lavender flowers fill Saudi’s desert landscapes in springtime, so purple is a celebrated color in the nation and regarded as a symbol of generosity.—
Steve Douglas,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
-
Until that changes, maternity care deserts will continue to expand — and the distance between patients and care will continue to grow.—
Jocelyn Mitchell-Williams,
STAT,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
When not elbow-deep in dino dung or outrunning raptors, Laura Dern's heartfelt performance in Jurassic Park shows why women really deserve to inherit the Earth — and all of the acting awards.—
Huntley Woods,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
-
The team ended up with a jar of elephant dung scent.—
RJ Mackenzie,
Popular Science,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The state expansion also means protection for the rare riparian forest.—
Kayla Moeller,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
-
The University of Pittsburgh’s record-setting growth is reshaping both its campus and Oakland, as the university leans into a long-term expansion plan that adds student beds, new facilities and economic heft to one of Pennsylvania’s busiest urban districts.—
Gabby Sartori,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Noun
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Sand dunes offer a natural buffer, absorbing wave energy, slowing erosion, and protecting the coastline.—
Marina Jurica,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
-
Removing trees whose roots help hold soil in place, combined with paving and creating other surfaces that don’t absorb rain and other moisture, could mean further soil erosion in the area, the board wrote.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2026
Verb
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As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 June 2026
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Clare joins me now to share why readers are spending real time and money to live inside their favorite fictional stories.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
Verb
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Don't Worry Too Much About Saltwater Or Chlorine Many people assume a quick swim in the ocean or pool will ruin their sunglasses.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
20 June 2026
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Could the Boston Celtics or another team ruin the Heat’s plan, swooping in and trading for Antetokounmpo this offseason and getting a long-term commitment from him?—
Anthony Chiang
June 19,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Waste.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waste. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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