1
as in contamination
the action or process of making the environment dirty or harmful
The company designed devices to reduce the pollution of the world's oceans.
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2
as in corruption
something that makes (someone) less pure, honest, or moral
They refused to let their children play violent video games, believing that they caused pollution in a developing mind.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pollution
Adam Baughman, deputy air pollution control officer for the district, said the program helps local organizations invest in cleaner technology.
—
Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
This not only reduces water availability for plants but can also contribute to soil erosion and water pollution, particularly in areas located near streams, ponds, and other water bodies.
—Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
According to a letter from Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, a concentrated flight path that was implemented in 2024 is causing excessive noise and pollution for some residents in Severn.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
And since children often spend more time outdoors than many adults and tend to engage in more physical activity, that may increase their exposure to outdoor air pollution.
—Jill Johnston, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
This not only reduces water availability for plants but can also contribute to soil erosion and water pollution, particularly in areas located near streams, ponds, and other water bodies.
—Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
According to a letter from Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, a concentrated flight path that was implemented in 2024 is causing excessive noise and pollution for some residents in Severn.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
And since children often spend more time outdoors than many adults and tend to engage in more physical activity, that may increase their exposure to outdoor air pollution.
—Jill Johnston, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
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Scientists are tightening research protocols, adopting contamination controls from forensic science to ensure findings are real, not lab artifacts.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
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Not all 87 candidates are expected to be confirmed, however, as some detections have lower confidence due to background contamination from unrelated stars, the researchers say.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Forty-seven years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
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Though Guelleh has presided over economic growth during his time as president, economic benefits have not fully trickled down, and much of the population remains mired in poverty; this economic inequality is due in part to corruption and patronage.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Research shows the area releases millions of particles, aerosols and molecules of dangerous pollutants into the air — including hydrogen sulfide, which has twice spiked to record levels in the last two weeks, according to data from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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Authorities ordered the evacuation of all personnel and said any potential pollutants don’t pose a risk to nearby cities, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.—
Arsalan Shahla,
Fortune,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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