1
as in residue
a remaining group or portion
They tested for chemical residuals in the water.
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in reminder
a lingering indication of something from the past
Some modern traditions are residuals of ancient beliefs and rituals.
Related Words
as in lingering
still existing or happening after something is completed or removed
The oven was still warm with residual heat. The area is still dealing with the residual effects of the flood.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of residual
Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Looking deeper, this is a team still fighting the residual of a trade deadline that saw second-year guard Jared McCain dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
One shopper even spilled cranberry juice on theirs with no residual stains.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
Studios traditionally have offered upfront fees and residuals based upon a film’s or TV show’s earnings—sustaining payments that sometimes continue for years, based on its success.
—Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Looking deeper, this is a team still fighting the residual of a trade deadline that saw second-year guard Jared McCain dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Even weakening storms or residual electrical activity can keep a launch grounded.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
One shopper even spilled cranberry juice on theirs with no residual stains.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
-
Applying a foam or solution through longer hair can be frustrating and may leave residue that interferes with styling.—
Nicole Hernandez,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
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FiberColors builds on the success of Archroma’s EarthColors platform, which has now been adopted by more than 50 global brands resulting over 60 tons of plant residue from the herbal and pharmaceutical industries being recycled.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the injury also represented a timely reminder for Olsson.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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For many viewers, the dog’s reaction felt like a reminder that rescue animals arrive with histories—habits, memories, and sensory associations formed long before adoption.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Thomas missed 57 games last season, mostly because of the same lingering left hamstring issue.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2026
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On the one hand, that means that many survive the disease without serious lingering effects.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
18 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
That said, the Google Maps image clearly shows remnants of the former entrance.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
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Along with their official duties, Rockingham said the group also had time to visit some of Rome’s significant sites, from a number of famous old churches to some of the remnants of ancient Rome, like the Colosseum.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Families would leave lights in windows or over doors during battles, such as Verdun, as a sign of hope and remembrance — a tradition that later became a lasting tribute to France’s sacrifice and alliance.—
David Caraccio
April 4,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
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New York For All would ensure that state and local resources are not used to carry out federal immigration enforcement, close loopholes that allow ICE to glean information from state databases and establish lasting protections for immigrant communities.—
Peter Cook,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The restaurant is lit with neon and filled with eye-catching vintage cultural artifacts, many of which are highlighted on a light-box art wall to grab your attention.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
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Scientists are tightening research protocols, adopting contamination controls from forensic science to ensure findings are real, not lab artifacts.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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