pollution

Definition of pollutionnext
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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pollution The Alfa Watan’s cargo was unknown, Radev said, adding that authorities were monitoring for possible oil spills and other environmental pollution. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 Finally, noise and air pollution standards should apply to normal operation as well as any backup or secondary systems. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 Dwyer also sees policy as an underused lever that could—and should—put microfiber pollution in the same conversation as PFAS, greenhouse gas emissions and end-of-life management. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 Suitable for all hair types, the spray also protects against color fading, UV damage, pollution, and static. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
  • The study’s authors said that this discovery shows the potential to better remediate synthetic dye chemicals from textile production wastewater to protect vulnerable water supplies from contamination.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Several food products were recalled in September over concerns ranging from possible salmonella and listeria contamination to undeclared allergens, foreign materials and other potential hazards.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Unfortunately, for the last two years, rather than just combating corruption and avoiding controversy, Florida’s attorney general, James Uthmeier, has been up to his neck in both.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Maduro publicly accused the executives of corruption, while a senior official privately described their detention as a means of pressuring Washington, according to the indictment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • If approved, the permit will also require monitoring of the water flow, temperature, present or expected pollutants in the sourcewater, expected pollutants in the wastewater, and additional pollutants associated with steam electric power generation.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • None of the restaurants with all-electric kitchens had excessive pollutants or heat.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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