1
as in specks
a very small amount
there was not a particle of truth in what she said
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flecks
a very small piece
a particle of cookie fell on the carpet
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 particles
Seasonal allergies are primarily caused by trees and grasses, whose tiny pollen particles travel on the wind.
—
Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 10 June 2026
The experiment produced nanophase iron, tiny metallic particles that are widely observed in lunar soil and are considered a key signature of space weathering.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
They’re regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to ensure proper safeguards are in place to prevent microscopic cement particles from causing health problems to nearby residents.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Enter stage left spacetime Einstein suggested in his 1915 theory of gravity, general relativity, that particles of mass causethe very fabric of spacetime to curve.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 June 2026
Aerosolized particles can range from a few nanometers to several tens of micrometers, which could make a quick squirt of deodorant or hairspray a catastrophic event.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 10 June 2026
Features such as surface roughness and protruding fibers create more sites where particles can stick to the outer surface rather than passing through.
—Sumit Mandal, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Most of us inhale some of these tiny particles every day.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
At higher heights, the water mixed with the particles more, creating a stronger brew.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 10 June 2026
The experiment produced nanophase iron, tiny metallic particles that are widely observed in lunar soil and are considered a key signature of space weathering.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
They’re regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to ensure proper safeguards are in place to prevent microscopic cement particles from causing health problems to nearby residents.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Enter stage left spacetime Einstein suggested in his 1915 theory of gravity, general relativity, that particles of mass causethe very fabric of spacetime to curve.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 June 2026
Aerosolized particles can range from a few nanometers to several tens of micrometers, which could make a quick squirt of deodorant or hairspray a catastrophic event.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 10 June 2026
Features such as surface roughness and protruding fibers create more sites where particles can stick to the outer surface rather than passing through.
—Sumit Mandal, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Most of us inhale some of these tiny particles every day.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
At higher heights, the water mixed with the particles more, creating a stronger brew.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for particles
Noun
-
This looks like tiny black or reddish-brown specks that resemble coffee grounds.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
9 June 2026
-
But such interludes add up to small specks of stormclouds in the show’s otherwise sunny skies.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
From the train windows, expect to spot the aquamarine waves of Ligurian Sea crashing against the stony coast, candy-colored houses huddled together on the hillsides, tiny wooden boats gliding through village harbors, and flecks of golden-sand beaches.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 June 2026
-
The light had a wintry grain, with flecks of color suspended in it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The lines are clean and sharp, the palette muted, approaching grayscale (which makes later splashes of color, like in the gaudy decor of a talk show or the blood-rust-red of a post-apocalyptic sky, pop even more), and motion within the frame is kept to a minimum.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
Hockney’s paintings of pool water and splashes demonstrated his obsession with capturing elemental natural phenomena, even in suburban settings.—
Mark Rozzo,
Vanity Fair,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
After hearing these songs, the happier ones at the beginning of the album reveal bits of shadow that Rodrigo has built into them to presage what’s to come — to presage what always comes.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
Work was completed on the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool last weekend, with attention turning to other bits of the president’s construction projects, such as his triumphal arch.—
Rob Crilly,
The Washington Examiner,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
My grandmother’s version typically called just for the addition of generous sprinklings of Lawry’s garlic salt and black pepper—and that’s it.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
5 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Some of these molecules act like roadblocks, slowing immune cells down.—
Charles J. Dimitroff,
The Conversation,
12 June 2026
-
It was just hidden in their organic molecules, silicate glasses, and sulfur compounds.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
There are very few hints in art of dogs being dirty, vicious or rabid.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau may have been dropping wedding hints through their fashion choices at the Tribeca Film Festival.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Improved nutrition and ingredient quality Fresh dog food typically uses ingredients that pet owners recognize, such as chicken, broccoli or grains.—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
Use whole grains like millet, farro, or bulgur as a base in your grain bowl or as a side dish, rather than using refined grains like white rice.—
Caitlin Beale,
Health,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Particles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/particles. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
