1
as in contamination
the action or process of making the environment dirty or harmful
The company designed devices to reduce the pollution of the world's oceans.
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2
as in corruption
something that makes (someone) less pure, honest, or moral
They refused to let their children play violent video games, believing that they caused pollution in a developing mind.
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pollution
The air district said conditions can change rapidly, and the amount and location of smoke at ground level are hard to predict, but the public can check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s fire and smoke map for real-time pollution levels.
—
Jason Green, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
Climate change from fossil fuel pollution is amplifying the conditions that make flash floods more likely and more severe.
—Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
Among those who are aware, 58 percent are very concerned about microplastic pollution.
—Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 10 July 2025
Fishing, shipping, pollution, and warming seas all threaten their survival.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Jason Green, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
Climate change from fossil fuel pollution is amplifying the conditions that make flash floods more likely and more severe.
—Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
Among those who are aware, 58 percent are very concerned about microplastic pollution.
—Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 10 July 2025
Fishing, shipping, pollution, and warming seas all threaten their survival.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
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Human evacuation from war zones can open urban habitats to wildlife, while the destruction of green spaces or contamination of soil and water can fragment ecosystems and reduce genetic diversity.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
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Park Street Deli Pork Carnitas Aldi, in coordination with Cargill Meat Solutions Corp, halted sales of Park Street Deli Pork Carnitas (16 oz trays) on April 21 due to possible metal contamination.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Ken Paxton, who has served in his current role since 2015, was impeached in 2023 but later acquitted and faced allegations of corruption and taking part in an extramarital affair.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
11 July 2025
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The announcement comes nearly two years after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was acquitted on all 16 articles of impeachment related to allegations of corruption and abuse of office.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Exposure to wildfire smoke, which contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants, is unhealthy even for short periods of time, according to the air district.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
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Floodwaters can be contaminated with debris, as well as high levels of bacteria, chemicals, waste and other pollutants, which can cause prolonged health risks, the experts said.—
ByMary Kekatos,
ABC News,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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