as in contaminants
something that is or that makes impure
filtered the pollutants out of the water
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Recent Examples of pollutants
Currently, sewage and industrial waste drops from culvert pipes onto rocks below, creating splashing that releases airborne pollutants.
—
Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent studies have suggested that microplastics — most often found in the environment, air, water and food — can carry pollutants into human organs and cause health complications, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular issues and cell damage.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Bringing in more outdoor air reduces the concentration of these pollutants in your home.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026
These estimates are between 100 and 10,000 times lower than previous accountings of atmospheric microplastics—a discrepancy that the researchers behind the new study say underscores the need for better global measures of these pollutants.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026
The program helps communities clear land that could be developed of hazardous substances and pollutants.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Manufacturers say the machines use powerful streams of air to limit the release of smoke, significantly reducing the presence of cancer-causing pollutants.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Things like last Friday’s wind, as well as weather phenomena such as fog and hoarfrost, which bind some pollutants and remove them from the air, can cause the air quality to fluctuate.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
Exposure to the pollutants can cause respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, cancer risk and premature death, according to GARD’s report.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent studies have suggested that microplastics — most often found in the environment, air, water and food — can carry pollutants into human organs and cause health complications, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular issues and cell damage.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Bringing in more outdoor air reduces the concentration of these pollutants in your home.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026
These estimates are between 100 and 10,000 times lower than previous accountings of atmospheric microplastics—a discrepancy that the researchers behind the new study say underscores the need for better global measures of these pollutants.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026
The program helps communities clear land that could be developed of hazardous substances and pollutants.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Manufacturers say the machines use powerful streams of air to limit the release of smoke, significantly reducing the presence of cancer-causing pollutants.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Things like last Friday’s wind, as well as weather phenomena such as fog and hoarfrost, which bind some pollutants and remove them from the air, can cause the air quality to fluctuate.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
Exposure to the pollutants can cause respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, cancer risk and premature death, according to GARD’s report.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollutants
contaminants
Noun
-
Winter compost doesn't generate enough heat to remove contaminants.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Pet dander and pollen are common indoor contaminants, too.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollutants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollutants. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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