DEBRIS Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

debris

noun

də-ˈbrē

Definition of debris

as in garbage

discarded or useless material the unsightly debris left after mining operations had ceased

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rubble

the portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed the demolition workers cleared away all of the debris from the demolished building

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of debris The lessons learned from LINK’s rapid deployment and upcoming close-approach maneuvers will directly feed into the next generation of satellite servicing, refueling, and orbital debris remediation tools. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026 Prepare the surface Remove any excess debris and dirt by sweeping the surface. — Abid Haque, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026 Pezzulo was attempting to lift debris off his comrades when the North Tower collapsed 30 minutes later and he was buried by falling debris. — ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2026 Portage will have a tent there to sign up people who need tree removal and debris removal. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debris

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debris

Noun

Most conflicts between humans and bears are traced back to human food, garbage, pet food, bird seed, or other things that attract bears.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Occupants of a residence on the 1400 block of 104th Avenue were angry at the auto body shop for parking lots of cars outside, loud noises and excessive garbage.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of garbage

Noun

Rescuers have been combing through rubble from Friday’s attack on Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, which has been targeted multiple times during the four-year-war.

— Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Emergency crews were at the scene and pulled people out from under the rubble.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubble

Noun

Once removed by helicopter, the wreckage will likely have to be flown out on a cargo plane for examination.

— Irene Byon, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
Both troopers were initially trapped inside the helicopter wreckage, but the corporal was able to push out a window and help the trooper escape, Bivens said.

— Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of wreckage

Noun

A little under three miles away, the ruins of the original Strancally Castle date back much further, to the 12th century.

— Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
Take a walk around Baixa Chiado, marvel at the Santa Justa outdoor lift connecting the lower areas of the Baixa with the higher Carmo Square, and head to the ruins of an old church at Carmo Archaeological Museum.

— Ann Lee, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruins

Noun

This comes at the expense of no movement in the wrist, but to be fair, having the lightsaber pointed in any other direction would look rubbish.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Only construction waste will be accepted at the landfill such as, brush and rubbish, concrete, brick, rock, wood, paper, plastics, cardboard and roofing shingles and tiles.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Definition of rubbish

Noun

This emerging capability could prove crucial not only for extending the longevity of one-of-a-kind missions but also for mitigating the growing threat of space junk from derelict spacecraft abandoned in Earth orbits.

— Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
If the piece isn’t in good working condition, arrange a pick-up from a junk removal service or drop the item off at a recycling center or scrap yard.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of junk

Browse Nearby Words

debriefs

debris

debs

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“Debris.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debris. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of debris

noun

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