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
Brunch might mean a humus bowl layered with lamb and pickled onion, or a shakshuka made with black lime tomato stew.
—
Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
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
Closer and closer, the aroma draws me like a magnet…sun on granite, black humus, balsam fir, and a faint whiff of yellow birch smoke.
—Literary Hub, 2 June 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
See All Example Sentences for humus
Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
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
Closer and closer, the aroma draws me like a magnet…sun on granite, black humus, balsam fir, and a faint whiff of yellow birch smoke.
—Literary Hub, 2 June 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
See All Example Sentences for humus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humus
Noun
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Loamy and sandy loams are the ideal soil type.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
31 May 2026
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Soil types include gravel and sedimentary loam closer to the river and volcanic rock distributed on the hillsides, a combination that adds distinct aromas, flavors, and minerality to the wines made here.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ten thousand years ago, after the last Ice Age melted away, blades of Indiangrass, switchgrass, and big bluestem burst forth from the nutrient-dense topsoil left behind by receding glaciers.—
Matt Kirouac,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
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In 2023, a cadaver dog alerted to topsoil near where the patio had been built in the home’s backyard, but as authorities dug deeper, the dog stopped picking up the scent, law enforcement sources said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Fonseca grew up playing on clay in Brazil, and at his best is capable of beating almost anyone.—
Corey Seymour,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
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Fès is renowned for its vibrant blue and white pottery, made with the city’s unique local clay and natural dyes.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Within days, Topanga Creek was choked with mud.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
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To further prevent obvious staining, choose darker flooring that won't show mud and dirt as easily.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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