as in dirt
foul matter that mars the purity or cleanliness of something
I have to wash my hands; I got gunk all over them somehow
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gunk
For a meditation on human frailty, look no further than Clare Barron, a playwright deeply fond of bruises and bleeding, scabs and gunk.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2026
Electric toothbrush owners know this same struggle, the gunk that builds on the bottom of a Sonicare is so ubiquitously understood, a few brands (like Suri) are creating wall-mount toothbrush holders compatible with their designs to keep things as sanitized as possible.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 Feb. 2026
Drains, Faucets, and Hardware Tight corners around drains and faucets are susceptible to gunk buildup, thanks to a combination of soap scum, hair, and grime.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026
Once the gunk loosens, simply wipe the interior clean with a cloth.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gunk
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2026
Electric toothbrush owners know this same struggle, the gunk that builds on the bottom of a Sonicare is so ubiquitously understood, a few brands (like Suri) are creating wall-mount toothbrush holders compatible with their designs to keep things as sanitized as possible.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 Feb. 2026
Drains, Faucets, and Hardware Tight corners around drains and faucets are susceptible to gunk buildup, thanks to a combination of soap scum, hair, and grime.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026
Once the gunk loosens, simply wipe the interior clean with a cloth.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gunk
Noun
-
Lizzy's dolls eventually become brown with dirt.—
KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Make sure to always use front and back lens caps to minimize dirt accumulation when the lenses are not in use.—
Jacob Little,
Space.com,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Nebraska got bogged down in the winter muck after an end to the 2025 season marked by four losses in five games, the final three in ugly fashion.—
Mitch Sherman,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Just get it a little damp before use and fully rinse the muck off when you’re finished.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These may include soil conservation, water management, carbon sequestration, and regenerative agriculture.—
Metro Creative Services,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
-
While all three properties for the vineyard designate wines are certified organic through CCOF, (California Certified Organic Farmers), winemaking for each site requires a slightly different approach because of distinct soils and tannin profiles.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dancing with an old fave will be almost as exciting as getting a glimpse of the primordial riverbed, which is usually covered with sludge.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Little filth flies such as drain flies breed in sludge and decaying matter that can build up in drain pipes, says Oi.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The collective presents an improvisational performance intended to raise awareness about water conservation, the sewage crisis and social responsibility.—
Marcia Luttrell,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Several cheese products were held at an unsafe temperature, sewage was backed up underneath the three-compartment sink and some dry foods were stored without a label.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That includes self emptying debris into a washable bin that should hold up to a month's worth of crud, cleaning its own mop pad with hot water and drying it with hot air, and self-refilling with clean water from a tank inside its dock.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Mar. 2026
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That crud jams up the works of your coffee maker, slows brewing down, and impacts the taste of your morning brew.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Adebayo’s pursuit of history transformed a garbage-time snoozer into a highly competitive game within the game.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Late one night in Payatas, a shantytown near a garbage dump in Manila’s outskirts, Santiago knocked on the door of a funeral office.—
Sheila Coronel,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gunk. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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