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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of pollution
This transboundary crisis, which has for years shuttered beaches and sickened Navy SEALs, has threatened public health both via water pollution and by generating airborne contaminants.
—
Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
The single greatest threat to the diversity of life in our oceans over the past 50 years, more than climate change or plastic pollution, has been unsustainable fishing practices.
—David Shiffman, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
The board helps lead the state’s efforts on climate change and oversees air pollution control efforts.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
This would also address rising transportation costs and pollution from long car commutes.
—David Bonaccorsi, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
The single greatest threat to the diversity of life in our oceans over the past 50 years, more than climate change or plastic pollution, has been unsustainable fishing practices.
—David Shiffman, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
The board helps lead the state’s efforts on climate change and oversees air pollution control efforts.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
This would also address rising transportation costs and pollution from long car commutes.
—David Bonaccorsi, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
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Ritual is proudly Clean Label Certified and has been rigorously tested against heavy metal contamination.—
Brianna Peters,
Vogue,
20 Apr. 2025
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In the 1970s, the FDA began requiring egg producers to wash and sanitize eggs to minimize the risk of Salmonella contamination.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Trump administration is substantially scaling back the State Department's annual reports on international human rights to remove longstanding critiques of abuses such as harsh prison conditions, government corruption and restrictions on participation in the political process, NPR has learned.—
Graham Smith,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
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Thao has since been indicted for bribery and corruption.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Mägi added trees naturally filter pollutants and particulate matter from the air and protecting mature forests helps preserve these natural air cleaners.—
Jamie Hailstone,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Gas stoves, in addition to those planet-warming emissions, release toxic pollutants directly into the home.—
Rachel Nuwer,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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