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
Semiconductor manufacturing requires huge amounts of ultra-clean water to rinse residue from silicon chips during the fabrication process, resulting in wastewater that contains pollutants, including heavy metals, which can be toxic to aquatic ecosystems and humans.
—
Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2026
Now, its ability to do that for many air pollutants is under threat.
—Lisa Song, ProPublica, 7 Jan. 2026
The devices measure pollutants regulated by the EPA, including nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulate matter from sources like gas turbines, factories and heavy traffic.
—Jack Armstrong, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Jan. 2026
Other real-world applications of this research can be to estimate how pollutants migrate through soil over multiple millennia or how high-speed rail tracks resonate with the ground – scenarios that are impossible to study in real time.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025
Holloway has been using satellite data on pollutants for years to share with the state Department of Natural Resources, but this is the first time it will be used for an epidemiological assessment.
—Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Air purifiers with technologies like REME® and PHI-cell® offer optimal air cleansing by reducing pollutants and dust particles in the air.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
Recognized as a particularly pesky class of anthropogenic pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can take root in land once given the opportunity, according to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC).
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
Indoor air can hold pollutants just like outdoor air—even if your home looks clean.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2026
Now, its ability to do that for many air pollutants is under threat.
—Lisa Song, ProPublica, 7 Jan. 2026
The devices measure pollutants regulated by the EPA, including nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulate matter from sources like gas turbines, factories and heavy traffic.
—Jack Armstrong, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Jan. 2026
Other real-world applications of this research can be to estimate how pollutants migrate through soil over multiple millennia or how high-speed rail tracks resonate with the ground – scenarios that are impossible to study in real time.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025
Holloway has been using satellite data on pollutants for years to share with the state Department of Natural Resources, but this is the first time it will be used for an epidemiological assessment.
—Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Air purifiers with technologies like REME® and PHI-cell® offer optimal air cleansing by reducing pollutants and dust particles in the air.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
Recognized as a particularly pesky class of anthropogenic pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can take root in land once given the opportunity, according to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC).
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
Indoor air can hold pollutants just like outdoor air—even if your home looks clean.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollutants
contaminants
Noun
-
Dirty oil contains acids, moisture, soot, and other contaminants that can etch and damage metal components, cause rust, and corrode the engine.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The contaminants, toxicity and people responsible were often unknown.—
James Salzman,
The Conversation,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollutants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollutants. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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