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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pollution
An unusually strong and sprawling heat dome is the catalyst for the heat, but the magnitude is undoubtedly being worsened by planet-warming pollution.
—
Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
The Obama-era finding had been the legal underpinning of nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources that are heating the planet.
—Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026
Within months of the order, the National Park Service (NPS) pulled signs like those describing climate change in Glacier National Park or air pollution in Bryce Canyon.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026
Second, the Legislature should pass AB 1777, which would strengthen California’s authority to address freight pollution hotspots without relying on uncertain federal waivers — critical for a region anchored by major ports and freight corridors.
—Bob Keefe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
The Obama-era finding had been the legal underpinning of nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources that are heating the planet.
—Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026
Within months of the order, the National Park Service (NPS) pulled signs like those describing climate change in Glacier National Park or air pollution in Bryce Canyon.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026
Second, the Legislature should pass AB 1777, which would strengthen California’s authority to address freight pollution hotspots without relying on uncertain federal waivers — critical for a region anchored by major ports and freight corridors.
—Bob Keefe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
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Food Is Not Protected From Cross-contamination, Or Other Contamination, During Storage, Preparation, Holding, Display Or Is In Contact With Unclean Surfaces.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Mar. 2026
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Today, light pollution and satellite contamination steal those pristine views from many of us.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Tisza is not particularly progressive, and its platform is generally considered center-right, eschewing cultural issues for a campaign laser-targeted on corruption in government.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Mar. 2026
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Polls give Magyar's Tisza party a double-digit lead with Hungarians weary of years of corruption accusations, clashes with the EU and economic stagnation.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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More immediately, emissions have consequences — just ask the Bronx residents that suffer from higher rates of asthma as a result of vehicle emissions in tandem with other pollutants.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
22 Mar. 2026
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The coalition noted that current atmospheric conditions — including marine layer inversions and low winds — may be trapping pollutants at ground level, worsening exposure for residents.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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