Synonyms of detritus

detritus

noun

di-ˈtrī-təs 

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

• debris
• rubble
• wreckage
• ruins
• remains
• ashes
• remnant
• residue
• wreck
• flotsam
• leavings
• dust
• garbage
• junk
• jetsam
• litter
• trash
• chaff
• dross
• rubbish
• waste
• refuse
• deadwood
• scrap
• riffraff

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detritus

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

Rather, our solar system is a celestial shooting gallery, chock-full of flying projectiles—not just meteoroids but larger bodies, such as comets, asteroids, and other cosmic detritus—and Earth is right in the firing line. — Govert Schilling, Scientific American, 27 June 2026

Its outer space is filled with cosmic detritus, mean characters and cute critters. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

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