as in pollutants
something that is or that makes impure
a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water
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Recent Examples of contaminants
The lawsuit cites studies that toxic contaminants in the herbicide have led to higher rates of birth defects in children of these veterans compared to the general population.
—
Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule that would, for the first time, formally flag microplastics and pharmaceuticals in drinking water as threats that deserve federal attention — putting them on its list of contaminants that merit study, tracking, and possible future regulation.
—Justin Zorn, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
Chris Frey, a professor of environmental engineering at North Carolina State University, says in reality there are hundreds of contaminants on that list which have never seen any regulatory action.
—Will Stone, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
If the contaminants can spread, the soil goes to a site in Emelle, Alabama, as hazardous waste.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
Even in small amounts, these contaminants are enough to hobble normal processes.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
Debate over source and risks of contaminants In the wastewater sample Eurofins tested, the concentrations of lithium, strontium and vanadium were abnormally high compared to levels in rainwater or groundwater, according to Lazarte, the attorney.
—Arcelia Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Apr. 2026
Traditional treatment systems were not built to remove contaminants like PFAS at such a great scale.
—Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
The City’s processes of cleaning and treating our drinking water should have eliminated these contaminants with no detrimental issues for the public.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule that would, for the first time, formally flag microplastics and pharmaceuticals in drinking water as threats that deserve federal attention — putting them on its list of contaminants that merit study, tracking, and possible future regulation.
—Justin Zorn, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
Chris Frey, a professor of environmental engineering at North Carolina State University, says in reality there are hundreds of contaminants on that list which have never seen any regulatory action.
—Will Stone, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
If the contaminants can spread, the soil goes to a site in Emelle, Alabama, as hazardous waste.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
Even in small amounts, these contaminants are enough to hobble normal processes.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
Debate over source and risks of contaminants In the wastewater sample Eurofins tested, the concentrations of lithium, strontium and vanadium were abnormally high compared to levels in rainwater or groundwater, according to Lazarte, the attorney.
—Arcelia Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Apr. 2026
Traditional treatment systems were not built to remove contaminants like PFAS at such a great scale.
—Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
The City’s processes of cleaning and treating our drinking water should have eliminated these contaminants with no detrimental issues for the public.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contaminants
pollutants
Noun
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Health dangers of pollution Ozone and particle pollution are considered two of the most widespread and dangerous pollutants measured by the US Environmental Protection Agency.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
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Trees and plants sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, filter pollutants from the air and reduce urban temperatures through shade, according to The Nature Conservancy.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contaminants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contaminants. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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