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 This is where the Sora 70's surface-cleaning functionality came in handy, filling the filter basket with every floating bit of detritus and leaving the pool looking as if there had been no storm at all. — John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 The dirty sea near the city often carried this kind of detritus to the shore. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 In the next round of Count the Rice, the rice is mixed into a large box full of paper, styrofoam, and other detritus. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026 Based on carbon dating and artifacts, detritus and animal remains found at the site, Carr and others concluded the circle had likely been the foundation for a wooden ceremonial building dating back around 2,000 years. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detritus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detritus

Noun

Mercury's rough surface, continually reshaped by debris hurled from impact craters, may have hidden the true extent of the loss, according to the researchers whose findings appear in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
This comes after a partial glacier collapse in the Himalayan mountains unleashed a sudden surge of water, mud, and debris that swept through border crossings, valley communities, and hydropower projects on August 26.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of debris

Noun

From throughout five boroughs and 50 states, heroes descended on the place, now called Ground Zero, where physical wreckage and human remains commingled.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
The streets are deserted, the glow of the floodlights on the wreckage fade behind him.

— Jeff Goodell, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of wreckage

Noun

Three firefighters stand atop a pile of twisted steel and debris, raising an American flag above the ruins of the World Trade Center.

— Thomas E. Franklin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Among the most notable is the Acropolis in Athens with its iconic ruins of ancient civilization preserved as columned edifices, stone statues, and temple mounts.

— Jennifer Tzeses, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of detritus

noun

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