1
as in dirt
foul matter that mars the purity or cleanliness of something
got some sort of soil on my white pants
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dung
solid matter discharged from an animal's alimentary canal
the horse lifted its tail and deposited its soil on the grass
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in ground
the loose surface material in which plants naturally grow
bought rich soil to plant flowers in
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to stain
to make dirty
oil and grease soiled the mechanic's shirt
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of soil
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
In dry areas, as temperatures rise, more moisture is pulled from soils and transported away from these arid regions, intensifying droughts.
—Pedro Dinezio, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2025
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
The restaurant was also dinged after an inspector noticed the insides and outside of all reach-in coolers and reach-in freezers soiled with food debris.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for soil
Noun
During World War II, Alaska was the site of the only military campaign fought on North American soil after Japan seized two of the Aleutian Islands, prompting a year-long battle in one of the most remote theaters of the conflict.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
In dry areas, as temperatures rise, more moisture is pulled from soils and transported away from these arid regions, intensifying droughts.
—Pedro Dinezio, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Warm water is great for white clothes that aren't heavily soiled.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
The restaurant was also dinged after an inspector noticed the insides and outside of all reach-in coolers and reach-in freezers soiled with food debris.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for soil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soil
Verb
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The color is also anti-fade, and won’t stain, shrink, or wrinkle.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Aug. 2025
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Block after block across metropolitan Milwaukee, piles of soaked carpets, waterlogged appliances and furniture stained beyond recognition now slump in front yards and along sidewalks.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As more success suddenly comes his way, McKinstry has remained the same, friendly and chuckling at his locker, dirtying his jersey and pestering opponents on the field.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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Some were prosthetic buttocks, but others were people’s own buttocks, but in various states, like dirtied down and with partial covering.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
1 July 2025
Verb
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There are also sparking car engines, microwave ovens, lightning strikes, GPS signals, reflections off the ionosphere, and even bird poop on the antenna to muck things up.—
David Szondy
July 27,
New Atlas,
27 July 2025
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Two lessons: Don’t muck around with the evolutionary sequence; the dinosaurs had their time and can’t adapt to the human epoch.—
David Denby,
Vulture,
3 July 2025
Verb
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Moss Inspired by the fall manicure looks at Ferragamo’s Fall 2025 show, Queenie Nguyen says a mossy, blackened green with velvet finish is the perfect mani for when the weather cools.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
11 Aug. 2025
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McFarland had been at the nursing home since March of 2022, when he was admitted as a hospice patient with a severe case of frostbite that left his feet blackened.—
Sarah Volpenhein,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soil. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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