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
Avoid spraying when wind speeds exceed 5 miles per hour and use a low spray pressure to increase droplet size, as larger particles are less likely to move with the wind.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
One is a compass-like mechanism, whereby the Earth exerts a pull on magnetic particles in a bird’s upper beak that relays directional information via a large nerve in the cranium.
—ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026
Researchers revealed that this cathode features a distinctive spatial separation of copper from the other transition metals (Ni, Fe, and Mn) within individual particles.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
The aerosol generated by vaping devices also contains ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause chronic inflammation.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
When overfilled, food particles can be transferred from one dish to another while running.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
When asbestos is disturbed, tiny particles are released into the air.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 28 May 2026
The oil also contains pearly golden particles, which leave the skin with a subtle shimmer.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 May 2026
Hantavirus is initially contracted by humans through inhalation of particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of a rodent.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
One is a compass-like mechanism, whereby the Earth exerts a pull on magnetic particles in a bird’s upper beak that relays directional information via a large nerve in the cranium.
—ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026
Researchers revealed that this cathode features a distinctive spatial separation of copper from the other transition metals (Ni, Fe, and Mn) within individual particles.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
The aerosol generated by vaping devices also contains ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause chronic inflammation.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
When overfilled, food particles can be transferred from one dish to another while running.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
When asbestos is disturbed, tiny particles are released into the air.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 28 May 2026
The oil also contains pearly golden particles, which leave the skin with a subtle shimmer.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 May 2026
Hantavirus is initially contracted by humans through inhalation of particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of a rodent.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for particles
Noun
-
Most astronomers now agree that each of these minuscule crimson specks—which bear a striking resemblance to enormous, faraway stars—actually has a burgeoning black hole at its center.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
27 May 2026
-
As in Kourliandski’s quartet, specks and splatters of sound are interspersed with silences.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
The patient noted tiny gray flecks drifting across his field of vision a week ago.—
Peter Ubel,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
The person who seems least surprised by it all is Matsuzawa, perhaps the league’s only 27-year-old rookie with flecks of gray in his hair.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The locks are designed for outdoor installations too, with an IP65 weather resistance rating for protection against rain, splashes and dust.—
Paul Lamkin,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Try your coffee warm or iced, with some cinnamon and a few splashes of unsweetened almond milk.—
Karen Berger,
Verywell Health,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Now, though, scientists have discovered bits of tissue removed from a species of sea cucumber called Psolus fabricii can keep on living indefinitely if they’re left in ordinary seawater.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
-
Just non-stop dribbles, counter-attacks, through balls, amazing finishes… all of football’s good bits.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 May 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
-
Living systems invest energy into making molecules that serve specific functions, even when those molecules are complex and harder to form.—
Gideon Yoffe,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
-
Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes odor molecules.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
There are hints of a far better movie peeking out from Maras’ dull weather drama, and the Australian director nearly finds it on numerous occasions.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
26 May 2026
-
As always, Rupert didn’t drop any hints about his future moves.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
But the end of colonial rule galvanized a new frontier spirit around booze, with Americans shunning the sherry, port, and brandy favored by the stiff Europeans, and instead leaning into their own hooch created by a mash of whatever grains were on hand.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
25 May 2026
-
Identifying Plants Susceptible To Powdery Mildew The many different powdery mildew fungi affect thousands of plants species, including trees, shrubs, flowers, vines, vegetable crops, fruits, grains, and grasses.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Particles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/particles. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
