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
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2026
Anastasia Sanger, director, programming and creative development My beauty look in 2016 took the residuals from the height of twee (thick cat-eye eyeliner, blunt bangs) and added a lot of dark lip experimentation.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2026
C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
On social media, actors take a perverse delight in posting pictures of residual payments for amounts lower than the postage needed to mail the check.
—Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
From stunt regulations to AI protections around digital replicas, the SAG-AFTRA union negotiates minimum rates, residuals, health and pension plans, and safety standards among other issues.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2026
Anastasia Sanger, director, programming and creative development My beauty look in 2016 took the residuals from the height of twee (thick cat-eye eyeliner, blunt bangs) and added a lot of dark lip experimentation.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Eggs will continue cooking in the residual heat of the potatoes.
—C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
On social media, actors take a perverse delight in posting pictures of residual payments for amounts lower than the postage needed to mail the check.
—Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
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Each ingredient is diligently vetted and each product is exhaustively tested (including a microbial analysis) for heavy metals, pesticides, solvent residues, environmental contaminants, and common allergens including gluten.—
Brianna Peters,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2026
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The National Audubon Society recommends cleaning with hot water, a weak vinegar-and-water solution, or a hydrogen peroxide-and-water solution, rather than dish soap, due to the potential for harmful residue.—
Jordan Green,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This book is a powerful reminder of the purpose and potential of ritual actions, and what role the arts can serve in our alienated and desacralized times.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
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In a city driven by speed and innovation, the brief interactions at the checkout counter offer a reminder to slow down to be seen and heard.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Thomas missed 57 games last season, mostly because of the same lingering left hamstring issue.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2026
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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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When assessing which military is responsible for a particular strike – in any conflict – CNN typically obtains images of the remnants of the weapons used in the attack and provides these to munitions experts so that their provenance can be assessed.—
Gianluca Mezzofiore,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
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For the remnants of the Iranian regime—and, especially, the hard-line members of the Revolutionary Guard, who control much of the state’s weaponry—the strategy is clear.—
Ishaan Tharoor,
New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Known for his charm on screen and dedication to guiding younger performers off it, Parker is remembered by colleagues and fans alike for his warmth, humor and lasting impact on the entertainment community.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
7 Mar. 2026
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Legacy of the case The murder of Skylar Neese had a lasting impact on West Virginia.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The effort resulted in the discovery of about 13,000 artifacts, according to SFPUC.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
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While some of the artifacts that have already been salvaged from the building might be incorporated into the design.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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