as in loam
a brown or black material in soil that is formed when plants and animals decay
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Recent Examples of humus
Unless the compost is fully broken down into humus, this incorporation will also work organic matter into the soil, which helps with aeration and further supports microorganisms.
—
Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Collectively, these leftovers become part of the humus of the soil, helping retain water and support soil-dwelling microbes, invertebrates and roots.
—Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Burnt soil has obviously lost any mulch that had been present as well as the layer of decomposing organic material or humus just below it.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2025
When separating clumps, add humus to the new planting area, spread roots out, and water well for smooth transplanting.
—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for humus
Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Collectively, these leftovers become part of the humus of the soil, helping retain water and support soil-dwelling microbes, invertebrates and roots.
—Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Burnt soil has obviously lost any mulch that had been present as well as the layer of decomposing organic material or humus just below it.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2025
When separating clumps, add humus to the new planting area, spread roots out, and water well for smooth transplanting.
—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for humus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humus
Noun
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Sandy soil is more prone to hydrophobia than loam or clay.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
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But the conflict between Joe and Ted goes back further and is rooted in a deep loam of backstory that emerges bit by bit.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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When the dump was full, it was covered with topsoil and became open land, ready for recreation or building construction.—
James Salzman,
The Conversation,
5 Jan. 2026
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The rain vanishes mid-air, leaving behind only wind that strips away the remaining topsoil.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Use handmade clay or terra-cotta tiles in a Mediterranean-style or other warm climate house, and glass or porcelain squares in vibrant colors read more contemporary.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
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Artists begin by sculpting the figure in clay before carefully applying layers of paint designed to give the skin a natural glow.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Then, in February, flooding and mudslides coated his entire street in mud, even trapping an SUV.—
Lauren Pozen,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Vestibules and Mudrooms With all the mud, coats, and boots tracking in and out of homes in winter, vestibules and mudrooms become coveted rooms for buyers.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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