1
as in residue
a remaining group or portion
They tested for chemical residuals in the water.
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2
as in reminder
a lingering indication of something from the past
Some modern traditions are residuals of ancient beliefs and rituals.
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as in lingering
still existing or happening after something is completed or removed
The oven was still warm with residual heat. The area is still dealing with the residual effects of the flood.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of residual
Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Under the terms of the WGA East’s PBS contract, writers on these titles will receive pension and health contributions from their work and residuals for AVOD and SVOD reuse.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Unfortunately, 2 with residual disease ultimately received palliative care.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
Her agent is very impressed and can practically see the residuals checks for potential new projects coming in.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Under the terms of the WGA East’s PBS contract, writers on these titles will receive pension and health contributions from their work and residuals for AVOD and SVOD reuse.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Starting with damp—not dripping—strands ensures the formula isn’t competing with natural oils or residual product buildup.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Unfortunately, 2 with residual disease ultimately received palliative care.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
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Sooty mold is the black residue that grows on the clear, sticky honeydew excreted by the scale.—
Miri Talabac,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Jan. 2026
-
White and brown residue was found inside the soda gun nozzle.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
Updated January 23,
Sacbee.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But Pickard’s message is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of our cognitive strength.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Tuesday’s loss was a reminder that Leafs team is now far in the past.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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On the one hand, that means that many survive the disease without serious lingering effects.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
18 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The remnants of a 19th-century shipwreck have been unearthed on the beach at a New Jersey state park.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
23 Jan. 2026
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The Helix Nebula is composed of stellar material shrugged off by a dying star as its outer layers were blasted away and its core collapsed to form a dense stellar remnant called a white dwarf.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Flag waving, immigration restriction, and culture-war rallying cries can shore up the MAGA-tech coalition, but more will be needed to achieve lasting success.—
Walter Russell Mead,
The Atlantic,
24 Jan. 2026
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Exposure to lead can cause lasting problems with a child’s growth, learning and behavior, according to the release.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The study’s authors further stated that the poison found in the artifacts would not have killed prey instantly, but rather slowed prey down, thereby making the animal easier to catch.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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Get a close look at more than 400 photos and 500 original artifacts from those who survived and died at the concentration camp.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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