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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 gunk
The brush for cleaning grout gets into all those mildewy crevices in your bathroom, while the round brushes do a great job cleaning toothpaste and gunk around the faucets and in the sink.
—
Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
During your weekly fridge clear-out and restock, wipe down shelves and drawers, removing gunk and crumbs to keep the inside fresh.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
But getting rid of the gunk that can clog your dishwasher filters, sprayers, and drains is crucial to getting the most dish-cleaning power from your machine.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
The sulfur and salicylic acid calm things down without stripping my skin, and there’s even charcoal and bentonite clay to go even deeper and pull out gunk.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gunk
Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
During your weekly fridge clear-out and restock, wipe down shelves and drawers, removing gunk and crumbs to keep the inside fresh.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
But getting rid of the gunk that can clog your dishwasher filters, sprayers, and drains is crucial to getting the most dish-cleaning power from your machine.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
The sulfur and salicylic acid calm things down without stripping my skin, and there’s even charcoal and bentonite clay to go even deeper and pull out gunk.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gunk
Noun
-
Unexpected grave goods The dirt block went through CT scans and X-rays at the University of Bradford before being sent to the York Archaeological Trust for a deeper analysis in November.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
-
Every day, as my colleague Thomas Curwen described it a few years ago, the big rigs take a shortcut through a small Wilmington neighborhood, sending out dirt and noise and diesel fumes.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Over time, these items amass dirt, debris, muck, and odors.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2025
-
Sovereignty’s Kentucky Derby victory in the muck at Churchill Downs sparked curiosity over whether the colt can build on his signature win over a possibly drier, faster surface on the Triple Crown trail.—
Gary B. Graves,
Baltimore Sun,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
Source: University of Manchester Graphic: Renée Rigdon, CNN Aspergillus fungi grow like small filaments in soils all over the world.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
-
Young stands remain uneven in age and composition, and soil and hydrological processes continue to reflect past disturbances.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
However, trade classification is not the only contributor to trade sludge.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Pacific Palisades experienced a major intersection submerged in three feet of sludge, and roads near the Eaton Fire burn scar were overtaken by several feet of mud, trees, and vegetation.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In the early ’70s, there was a 54-inch sewage force main installed from south to north at this river crossing location.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2025
-
Dumbarton Oaks Park is downstream from Piney Branch, a tributary of Rock Creek that receives about 40 million gallons of untreated sewage and storm water overflow each year, according to the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority.—
Chris Cameron,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
This isn't just unsanitary—the buildup of crud could eventually interfere with your mixer's moving parts.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
19 May 2025
-
This entry’s crud, on the other hand, is piled digitally in an INBOX.—
Sam Corbin,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Any actor that’s been working for over three decades has a giant garbage bag filled of pilots.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2025
-
Bears are generally solitary, shy animals but are food-driven and often find easy meals in garbage bins.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gunk. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share