dust 1 of 2

noun

ˈdəst How to pronounce dust (audio)
Definition of dustnext
1
as in debris
discarded or useless material the piles of dust that future archaeologists will sift through for insights into our civilization

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in soil
the solid part of our planet's surface as distinguished from the sea and air laid him out in the dust with one blow to the head

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dust

2 of 2

verb

as in to smoke
to defeat by a large margin the inexperienced sprinter somehow dusted the field of veterans

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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 dust
Noun
With this capability, Rubin can reveal details of the cosmos across an enormous range of scales, from distant galaxies, to individual stars, to the wispy clouds of dust spread throughout our galaxy. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The Aspiron Canister Vacuum is designed with a powerful brushless motor, three-stage filtration system, and large dust cup that keeps shoppers from having to constantly empty it. — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Verb
They’re dusted with a classic ranch-style seasoning blend that includes garlic powder, onion powder, and powdered sour cream and buttermilk. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026 The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dust
  1. debris
  2. soil
  3. smoke
  4. garbage
  5. land
  6. bury
  7. trash
  8. ground
Noun
  • Rodríguez denied those claims, saying some remote areas were difficult to reach because roads were blocked by landslides and debris, forcing authorities to rely on motorcycles, drones and satellite imagery.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Seconds later, a powerful explosion blasted through the doorway, shattering windows and sending vertical blinds and debris flying as firefighters quickly retreated from the building.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of debris
Noun
  • The family fought for three hours last July Fourth to stay alive after more than a summer’s worth of rain fell overnight on bone-dry soil, pushing the waterway from about 3 feet to 30 feet in just 45 minutes.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The animals damage agricultural land, consume native vegetation, contribute to soil erosion and compete with livestock for forage.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of soil
Verb
  • The actors had to learn how to smoke cigarettes the way people did in the 1920s.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
  • This year’s celebration comes on the heels of a late June warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that released extraordinary amounts of soot and smoke across the county, on par with pollution generated by the previous year’s wildfires.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of smoke
Noun
  • Decomposing food can release hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas synonymous with landfills and garbage.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Epidemics, worsened by the unsanitary conditions caused by the mountains of garbage the government has stopped collecting, combine with the shortage of medicines and the dire state of medical facilities.
    — Sarah Moreno July 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of garbage
Noun
  • The oppressive heat wave lands at the same time the nation is observing 250 years since our Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The transfer of 136 acres just south of the community of Westport will mark the first time land managed by the California Department of Transportation has been returned to Indigenous tribes.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of land
Verb
  • But instead of trying to make the turn, Diene laid the ball off for Baker, who buried a one-timer into the left side of the net.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
  • In addition, the group plans to bury a time capsule on July 4 in Philadelphia to be opened on America's 500th birthday in 2276.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of bury
Noun
  • Authorities confirmed the match after obtaining his DNA from trash.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Sugary drinks, greasy grill residue, dropped crumbs and overflowing trash are all fair game.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of trash
Noun
  • Since its inception, social media has been a proving ground for tween fashion and identity, offering under-16s a digital canvas to experiment with their style and form online cliques around niche interests.
    — Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 2 July 2026
  • During the huge Round of 32 knockout showdown, packed crowds inside the legendary Estadio Azteca generated enough ground movement to trigger local seismic monitoring equipment.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of ground

Phrases Containing dust

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dusky
dust
dustbin
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Cite this Entry

“Dust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dust. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dust

Nglish: Translation of dust for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dust

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