Thesaurus results for DETRITUS

detritus

noun

di-ˈtrī-təs

Definition of detritus

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

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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 This is where the Sora 70's surface-cleaning functionality came in handy, filling the filter basket with every floating bit of detritus and leaving the pool looking as if there had been no storm at all. — John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 The dirty sea near the city often carried this kind of detritus to the shore. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 In the next round of Count the Rice, the rice is mixed into a large box full of paper, styrofoam, and other detritus. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026 Based on carbon dating and artifacts, detritus and animal remains found at the site, Carr and others concluded the circle had likely been the foundation for a wooden ceremonial building dating back around 2,000 years. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detritus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detritus

Noun

The sheriff’s office released photos of the black Honda CR-V deep inside the store with debris surrounding the vehicle.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
The team looked through such coronagraph data for seven distant stars, each surrounded by debris disks where planet formation may be happening.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of debris

Noun

The new stadium has a capacity of just over 60,000, about 12,000 less than the old facility which now lies in rubble across the street.

— CBS News, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
A number of people are thought to still be missing beneath the rubble, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

— Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of rubble

Noun

Later, the vehicle was removed and a gaping hole was visible in the Metro bus’ side, with wreckage strewn around the scene.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Video showed civil defense crews surveying the wreckage and using bulldozers to dig people out, including children.

— CBS News, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of wreckage

Noun

The Strip had been largely obliterated in the war between Hamas and Israel, and most of its two million inhabitants were living in tents or in the ruins; images of human misery had flooded screens around the world.

— Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Three firefighters stand atop a pile of twisted steel and debris, raising an American flag above the ruins of the World Trade Center.

— Thomas E. Franklin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of ruins

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detriments

detritus

de trop

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“Detritus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detritus. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of detritus

noun

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