Synonyms of pollution

pollution

noun

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.

Related Words

• contamination
• pollutant
• contaminant
• adulteration
• defilement
• uncleanness
• toxin
• uncleanliness
• poison
• dirtiness
• impurity
• soilage
• foulness
• filthiness
• adulterant

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.

Related Words

• corruption
• contamination
• violation
• cursing
• insult
• swearing
• profanity
• sin
• debasement
• affront
• trespass
• desecration
• blasphemy
• sacrilege
• impiety
• defilement
• irreverence
• profanation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pollution

They're heavily impacted by pollution, habitat loss and climate change. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

These include infrastructure capacity, traffic congestion, pollution and tree canopy concerns, or issues around historical preservation. — Stefan Chavez-Norgaard, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026

The thought of dropping a line into the Monongahela — a river with a long history of pollution and lingering contamination concerns — never gave Robinson much pause. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

El Niño can’t be blamed for everything — a world warming due to fossil fuel pollution is always playing a role. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026