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junk

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word junk different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of junk are cast, discard, scrap, shed, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways
would junk our educational system

When is it sensible to use cast instead of junk?

The meanings of cast and junk largely overlap; however, cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

Where would discard be a reasonable alternative to junk?

Although the words discard and junk have much in common, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

How do shed and slough relate to one another, in the sense of junk?

Shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit
finally sloughed off the depression

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 junk
Noun
This particular piece of space junk likely won’t pose a risk to people on the ground. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 On average, a piece of space junk the size of Kosmos 482, with a mass of about a half-ton, falls into the atmosphere about once per week. ArsTechnica, 8 May 2025
Verb
This episode of What’s Ahead makes the case for junking the tax code and replacing it with a simple, single-rate system: the flat tax. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 The ratings agency Fitch restored Delta’s investment-grade credit rating this July after cutting it to junk during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Melvin Backman, Quartz, 18 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for junk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for junk
Noun
  • Scallions, chili oil, or even a slice of cheese (yes, cheese) elevate the dish from ordinary to indulgent.
    The Learning Network, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • Go for the iconic #19, pastrami, swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye.
    David Weiss, Forbes.com, 19 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
Verb
  • Compost it or dump it in the trash in a sealed bag, but never put the starter—or sourdough dough for that matter—down the drain.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
  • When the beating ended, the group loaded Ortiz into the bed of a pickup truck and dumped him in a ditch, the station reported.
    Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • And oftentimes, these cheap items end up as rubbish.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
  • This never got past the drawing board stage, but the idea kept cropping up again and again with many variations on a circular shape and performance that spanned from interesting to rubbish.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Inspectors cited the Mexican restaurant for food safety violations including noticeable debris accumulation on the shelf under the salsa bar.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025
  • Stay away from windows as flying debris generated by damaging winds can be deadly.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Make sure to discard salsa that was left out at room temperature for over two hours, especially on hot days.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 May 2025
  • Today, House Republicans will move promptly to discard it.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Officers eventually tracked down Figueroa in the building's trash room, and drove him out with pepper spray, according to the affidavit.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 14 May 2025
  • Hefty Ultra Strong with Fabuloso Watermelon Scent The Hefty brand just made trash day a whole lot sweeter!
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Spacecraft are assembled in cleanrooms, which are highly specialized facilities engineered to maintain exceptionally low levels of dust and microorganisms.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Exhaust Fan Covers A lot of dust and debris can secretly accumulate on an exhaust fan cover.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Junk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/junk. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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