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
In fact, the research team found that bacteria floating in tiny fog droplets are alive, growing and breaking down pollutants in the air.
—
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 31 May 2026
Because of how they’re made, trying to clean them could release the pollutants back into the air.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
Both indoor and outdoor pollutants, including dirt, pollen, hair, and dander, settle on windowsills over time, leaving a layer of dust that should be removed before liquid cleaners are introduced to the surface.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2026
However, large quantities of smoke, dust or other air pollutants can give the typically white celestial body a blue or green hue, according to astronomy blog EarthSky.
—Hali Smith
may 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 May 2026
In a statement on Wednesday, the environmental group said generators release air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, that are harming the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
Experts say the fish kill was likely caused by heavy rains and flooding, which can release unexpected sewage and pollutants into the river.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 26 May 2026
Most plastics today are made from oil and gas, leading to several environmental issues, including carbon emissions and other pollutants.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026
Long channels of plants known as bioswales and recessed sections known as rain gardens both use sand, soil and plants to filter pollutants before stormwater reaches streams or sewers.
—Aya Diab, Fortune, 23 May 2026
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 31 May 2026
Because of how they’re made, trying to clean them could release the pollutants back into the air.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
Both indoor and outdoor pollutants, including dirt, pollen, hair, and dander, settle on windowsills over time, leaving a layer of dust that should be removed before liquid cleaners are introduced to the surface.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2026
However, large quantities of smoke, dust or other air pollutants can give the typically white celestial body a blue or green hue, according to astronomy blog EarthSky.
—Hali Smith
may 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 May 2026
In a statement on Wednesday, the environmental group said generators release air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, that are harming the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
Experts say the fish kill was likely caused by heavy rains and flooding, which can release unexpected sewage and pollutants into the river.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 26 May 2026
Most plastics today are made from oil and gas, leading to several environmental issues, including carbon emissions and other pollutants.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026
Long channels of plants known as bioswales and recessed sections known as rain gardens both use sand, soil and plants to filter pollutants before stormwater reaches streams or sewers.
—Aya Diab, Fortune, 23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollutants
contaminants
Noun
-
Electronic waste may expose humans and the environment to lead, mercury, arsenic, flame-retardant chemicals and other contaminants, according to the Geneva Environment Network.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
-
Research has found that when people remove their exposures, the levels of these contaminants in their bodies decrease over the course of several years.—
Mara Hoplamazian,
NPR,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollutants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollutants. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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