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 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 There, Li’s laboratory technician Duncan Hauser stripped microbial detritus from the hornwort’s leaves. — Quanta Magazine, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detritus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detritus

Noun

At these temperatures, the tiles must not melt or drop debris into the hot fuel plasma.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
The physical debris was scattered over a massive area of roughly 800 square miles.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Definition of debris

Noun

The rocket’s upper stage will unintentionally slam into the moon on Wednesday, carving out a crater and sending up a plume of dust and rubble that scientists — and skygazers — are eager to observe.

— Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Two months after some of the most devastating airstrikes, there are still bodies buried under the rubble.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubble

Noun

Emergency responders rushed to the scene after the crash, with aerial footage showing firefighters spraying fire retardant on the burning wreckage while thick black smoke rose above the base.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
Survivors spoke about coming home and desperately pulling family members out of the wreckage.

— CBS News, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Definition of wreckage

Noun

The journey combines outdoor adventure with the history and culture of the Inca civilization, weaving through cloud forest, high mountain passes and stone-cut ruins before ending at Machu Picchu.

— Ashley Lynch July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
What happened Search teams have rescued eight people from the ruins of a shopping center after a powerful earthquake struck the southern Japanese island of Kyushu on Tuesday.

— Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 29 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of detritus

noun

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