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
At the compressor stations, the natural gas produced from wells is processed so that water and other contaminants are removed.
—
Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
Studies have shown how lead particles that fell to the ground were kicked back up into the air again where people could inhale them, along with other contaminants.
—Armin Sorooshian, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
Scientists have also raised concerns about the growing presence in the environment of microplastics that can enter the body carrying bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants that may contribute to cancer risk.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026
The Clean Label Project screened 134 products and found heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants in many protein powders.
—Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026
Rugs enhance the decor, protect surfaces from damage, and outdoor mats help trap dirt, pesticides, and other contaminants from entering your home.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
Each ingredient is diligently vetted and each product is exhaustively tested (including a microbial analysis) for heavy metals, pesticides, solvent residues, environmental contaminants, and common allergens including gluten.
—Brianna Peters, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
But, more concerning, Watts residents and school district officials fear these contaminants may be migrating with groundwater, posing a risk to neighboring Jordan High School and Jordan Downs housing complex.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Questions remain about how to distinguish contaminants caused by a fire from those already present in the home from things such as fireplaces.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
Studies have shown how lead particles that fell to the ground were kicked back up into the air again where people could inhale them, along with other contaminants.
—Armin Sorooshian, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
Scientists have also raised concerns about the growing presence in the environment of microplastics that can enter the body carrying bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants that may contribute to cancer risk.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026
The Clean Label Project screened 134 products and found heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants in many protein powders.
—Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026
Rugs enhance the decor, protect surfaces from damage, and outdoor mats help trap dirt, pesticides, and other contaminants from entering your home.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
Each ingredient is diligently vetted and each product is exhaustively tested (including a microbial analysis) for heavy metals, pesticides, solvent residues, environmental contaminants, and common allergens including gluten.
—Brianna Peters, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
But, more concerning, Watts residents and school district officials fear these contaminants may be migrating with groundwater, posing a risk to neighboring Jordan High School and Jordan Downs housing complex.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Questions remain about how to distinguish contaminants caused by a fire from those already present in the home from things such as fireplaces.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contaminants
pollutants
Noun
-
These long cylinders of glacial ice packed with layers of dust, pollutants, and smoke are frozen time capsules that scientists can use to recreate past environmental conditions.—
Nidhi Sharma,
Popular Science,
13 Mar. 2026
-
This mass incineration of metal would result in a steep increase in concentrations of potentially dangerous pollutants such as aluminum oxide and lithium in the upper atmosphere, which could lead to ozone depletion and temperature changes.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contaminants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contaminants. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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