Synonyms of pollution

pollution

noun

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.

Related Words

• contamination
• pollutant
• contaminant
• adulteration
• defilement
• uncleanness
• toxin
• uncleanliness
• poison
• dirtiness
• impurity
• soilage
• foulness
• filthiness
• adulterant

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.

Related Words

• corruption
• contamination
• violation
• cursing
• insult
• swearing
• profanity
• sin
• debasement
• affront
• trespass
• desecration
• blasphemy
• sacrilege
• impiety
• defilement
• irreverence
• profanation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pollution

The sources of bioaccumulative substances that end up in the environment range from agricultural runoff and industrial pollution to oil tanker spills, vehicle exhaust, and landfill leakage. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026

The cookies could tackle food shortages and plastic pollution. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026

There may be a risk for some people, including those unusually sensitive to air pollution. — Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

The disaster illustrates the growing peril of living in mountain regions like the Himalayas as the planet continues to warm due to climate pollution from human activities. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026