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
Adam Baughman, deputy air pollution control officer for the district, said the program helps local organizations invest in cleaner technology.
—
Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
This not only reduces water availability for plants but can also contribute to soil erosion and water pollution, particularly in areas located near streams, ponds, and other water bodies.
—Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
According to a letter from Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, a concentrated flight path that was implemented in 2024 is causing excessive noise and pollution for some residents in Severn.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
And since children often spend more time outdoors than many adults and tend to engage in more physical activity, that may increase their exposure to outdoor air pollution.
—Jill Johnston, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
This not only reduces water availability for plants but can also contribute to soil erosion and water pollution, particularly in areas located near streams, ponds, and other water bodies.
—Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
According to a letter from Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, a concentrated flight path that was implemented in 2024 is causing excessive noise and pollution for some residents in Severn.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
And since children often spend more time outdoors than many adults and tend to engage in more physical activity, that may increase their exposure to outdoor air pollution.
—Jill Johnston, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
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If contamination or overdevelopment disrupts those aquifer systems, species like Gveleshapia kvevri could be lost before science even documents their existence.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Mead Johnson fortifier used in the head-to-head clinical trial sponsored by Abbott was acidified to prevent bacterial contamination.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Over the past decade, United States Attorney’s Offices in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia have charged dozens of individuals in corruption and fraud schemes involving college coaches, players and athletic department personnel.—
Robert L. Boone,
Sportico.com,
31 Mar. 2026
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Four people were charged Tuesday in connection a federal corruption investigation that has ensnared NYC Councilmember Farah Louis and a nonprofit providing homeless services to the city.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Research shows the area releases millions of particles, aerosols and molecules of dangerous pollutants into the air — including hydrogen sulfide, which has twice spiked to record levels in the last two weeks, according to data from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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Authorities ordered the evacuation of all personnel and said any potential pollutants don’t pose a risk to nearby cities, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.—
Arsalan Shahla,
Fortune,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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