Thesaurus results for DETRITUS

detritus

noun

di-ˈtrī-təs

Definition of detritus

as in debris

the portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed the expanse of tree stumps represented the detritus of a vast forest that had been mercilessly clear-cut

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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 detritus Want to take a dip but daunted by the scum and detritus on your pool's walls, floors, and surfaces? — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026 Its outer space is filled with cosmic detritus, mean characters and cute critters. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 Despite those efforts, the pool still faced algae blooms and needed to be emptied out periodically to clean out algae, goose droppings and other detritus. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 19 June 2026 Preparations have been underway for nearly a year — out of public view — as the development team Centennial Partners cleared furniture, fixtures and detritus from the 19-story building that ceased to function as a hospital in 2008. — Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detritus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detritus

Noun

Rojas has witnessed two people being pulled alive from the debris, as well as the recovery of bodies.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Photos of the outside cemetery show flooding and floating debris.

— Dave Savini, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of debris

Noun

Hope remained alive even after the key 48 to 72 hour window to find survivors beneath the rubble has long passed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Earlier, rescuers in the port town of Maumere found 20 dead, six injured and two people trapped under rubble, said Fathur Rahman, head of the city's rescue agency.

— Reuters, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubble

Noun

The summit itself turned out to be a failure, but Washington and Moscow later climbed over its wreckage to reach new agreements.

— Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
Barker and Goldstein suffered severe burns Barker and Goldstein were spotted a few feet from the wreckage by local resident William Owens, who had been driving near the airport.

— Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of wreckage

Noun

The frantic search for survivors has long since yielded to the grim spectacle of excavators clearing ruins.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
For travelers, the designation puts a spotlight on a place where mythology isn't confined to museums and archaeological ruins.

— Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruins

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detriments

detritus

de trop

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“Detritus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detritus. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of detritus

noun

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