POLLUTANT Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

pollutant

noun

pə-ˈlü-tᵊnt

Definition of pollutant

as in contaminant

something that is or that makes impure filtered the pollutants out of the water

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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 pollutant Facilities would have to be on land zoned for heavy industrial use and could not be located near disadvantaged communities or populations sensitive to pollutants, such as hospitals, schools and nursing homes. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Ancient rock art at Murujuga, or the Burrup Peninsula, in Western Australia, has seen much larger damaged than previously anticipated due to industrial pollutants found in air emissions. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 How this potent mix of pollutants transforms over time and distance is a complex puzzle. — Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 According to the report, most of the cancer risk - 74% - comes from a single pollutant, benzo[a]pyrene, that escapes through leaks in pipe fittings and storage tanks. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pollutant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollutant

Noun

Even when testing finds contaminants, manufacturers say marijuana that’s already in dispensaries often remains for sale.

— Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2026
Reducing exposure to persistent, bioaccumulative contaminants requires a combination of regulatory measures that prevent their release and remediation strategies that remove or neutralize existing pollution.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of contaminant

Noun

Eventually, a component has to survive vibration, temperature, load, contamination, assembly variation and thousands—or millions—of operating cycles.

— Luis Garelli, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
The worst impacts were felt in Georgia, where hackers’ successful shutdown of a pump station led to a drop in water pressure, which increased the risk of contamination of drinking water, the center reported.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of contamination

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poll taxes

pollutant

pollutants

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“Pollutant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollutant. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pollutant

noun

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