detritus

noun

di-ˈtrī-təs How to pronounce detritus (audio)
Definition of detritusnext
as in debris
the portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed the expanse of tree stumps represented the detritus of a vast forest that had been mercilessly clear-cut

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 detritus Want to take a dip but daunted by the scum and detritus on your pool's walls, floors, and surfaces? — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026 Its outer space is filled with cosmic detritus, mean characters and cute critters. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 Despite those efforts, the pool still faced algae blooms and needed to be emptied out periodically to clean out algae, goose droppings and other detritus. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 19 June 2026 Preparations have been underway for nearly a year — out of public view — as the development team Centennial Partners cleared furniture, fixtures and detritus from the 19-story building that ceased to function as a hospital in 2008. — Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detritus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detritus
  1. debris
  2. rubble
  3. wreckage
  4. ruins
Noun
  • Nonetheless, the costs of intercepting incoming munitions could prove particularly high if targets are engaged over populated areas, with drones, defensive munitions and falling debris all posing risks to people and property on the ground.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Photos and video shared on social media show debris thrown in the air and pummeling rain as a possible tornado touched down at Atlantic Beach on Long Island's outer barrier.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of debris
Noun
  • Hope remained alive even after the key 48 to 72 hour window to find survivors beneath the rubble has long passed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier, rescuers in the port town of Maumere found 20 dead, six injured and two people trapped under rubble, said Fathur Rahman, head of the city's rescue agency.
    — Reuters, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of rubble
Noun
  • Once removed by helicopter, the wreckage will likely have to be flown out on a cargo plane for examination.
    — Irene Byon, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Both troopers were initially trapped inside the helicopter wreckage, but the corporal was able to push out a window and help the trooper escape, Bivens said.
    — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of wreckage
Noun
  • A little under three miles away, the ruins of the original Strancally Castle date back much further, to the 12th century.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Take a walk around Baixa Chiado, marvel at the Santa Justa outdoor lift connecting the lower areas of the Baixa with the higher Carmo Square, and head to the ruins of an old church at Carmo Archaeological Museum.
    — Ann Lee, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruins

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detriments
detritus
de trop
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Cite this Entry

“Detritus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detritus. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detritus

Nglish: Translation of detritus for Spanish Speakers

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