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
Extracting uranium for use as nuclear fuel has left extensive groundwater contamination and air pollution across the Southwest, especially on tribal lands, including the Navajo Nation.
—
Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Safe speed limits Urban speed limits of 30 km/h (about 18-19 mph) are known to reduce pollution and crashes.
—Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
But in an area beset by industrial pollution, residents are wary of the methane gas turbines helping to power the electricity-hungry behemoth.
—Stephanie Gosk, NBC news, 15 May 2025
Children are not only exposed to rising heat levels, air pollution, and extreme weather conditions, but also will have to grow up grappling with the mental health impacts of climate change—and result is climate anxiety that is being felt by both kids and their parents.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Safe speed limits Urban speed limits of 30 km/h (about 18-19 mph) are known to reduce pollution and crashes.
—Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
But in an area beset by industrial pollution, residents are wary of the methane gas turbines helping to power the electricity-hungry behemoth.
—Stephanie Gosk, NBC news, 15 May 2025
Children are not only exposed to rising heat levels, air pollution, and extreme weather conditions, but also will have to grow up grappling with the mental health impacts of climate change—and result is climate anxiety that is being felt by both kids and their parents.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
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The contamination was discovered through routine sampling procedures, and the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 May 2025
-
Canned beans were recalled over an undeclared allergen, and tomatoes were impacted due to possible Salmonella contamination. Do not eat these products, and toss or return them instead.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
9 May 2025
Noun
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The Boston City Council will take up a resolution this week that calls for disgraced Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson’s removal from the body in the wake of her guilty plea to two federal corruption charges tied to a City Hall kickback scheme.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
13 May 2025
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However, rumors swirled about his luxury lifestyle and possible corruption and eventually led to federal charges in 2007.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
12 May 2025
Noun
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Research has found strong associations between exposure to air pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, indoor toxins like formaldehyde and higher cancer risk — particularly for lung, breast, prostate, and even melanoma.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
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The data also don’t include airborne pollutants — including automobile exhaust — which could also contribute to the disease.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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