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
Josh Peck, NPR, 26 Aug. 2025
In addition to his rooftop greenhouse, the property has a separate hydroponic operation, a system that grows plants without using soil.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2025
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
Warm water is great for white clothes that aren't heavily soiled.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for soil
Noun
All trenches deeper than five feet require safety systems like a trench box, a pair of metal walls attached by metal rods that keep trenches stable and prevent soil from falling onto workers.
—Josh Peck, NPR, 26 Aug. 2025
In addition to his rooftop greenhouse, the property has a separate hydroponic operation, a system that grows plants without using soil.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
Lack Of Cleanliness Carpet beetles prefer to feed on dirty materials, and especially enjoy fabrics that are soiled with food, sweat, or body oils.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
Warm water is great for white clothes that aren't heavily soiled.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for soil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soil
Verb
-
The district attorney’s office was headed by Harry Connick Sr., whose 30-year tenure was stained by accusations of racial bias.—
Richard A. Webster,
ProPublica,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Ever since 2003, when the contemporary-art organization converted a Nabisco box-printing factory into a museum, the rear, south side of the space has looked out over acres of unimpressive lawn, stained by industrial residue.—
Chloe Schama,
Vogue,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Rodriguez said Swift and Kelce ordered the pan-seared, blackened Mahi-Mahi ($45), served with lobster risotto, julienned vegetables and red pepper sauce.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Each footstep sent up clouds of dust and ash, coating everything, including my mouth and teeth, in fine grit, blackening my snot and saliva.—
River Selby
August 25,
Literary Hub,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soil. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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