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
Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Writers fought for higher wages, protections against artificial intelligence replacing their work, and higher streaming residuals, among other gains, during the strike in 2023.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
David O'Brien, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Cities nationwide have grappled with similar staffing challenges, attributed in part to the residual effects of COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
Unfortunately, Brit drags some residuals of her pity party into the episode while car shopping with her husband in a scene devoid of any chemistry, then at dinner with Drew.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Writers fought for higher wages, protections against artificial intelligence replacing their work, and higher streaming residuals, among other gains, during the strike in 2023.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
So far, there has been none of the residual soreness Acuña dealt with after coming back in 2022 from his first knee surgery.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Cities nationwide have grappled with similar staffing challenges, attributed in part to the residual effects of COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
-
Then, brush off or vacuum up the powder and wipe away any residue.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 June 2025
-
With various scents available, this sanitizer ensures cleanliness without the sticky residue.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Lake County’s tree will serve as a reminder of the nation’s Founding Fathers and inspiration to future generations.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
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The city sent four email reminders and four invoices to the team.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
24 June 2025
Noun
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The researchers used remnants of coral species that only live in shallows very near the sea surface.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
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Those precious sticky sheets can be used up very quickly when trying to pick up the remnants of the ride with your pet.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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After days of escalating airstrikes between Israel and Iran that killed hundreds in Iran and dozens in Israel—and the United States’ decision to involve itself—one of the most lasting, and difficult to quantify, losses may be the fragile framework of international nuclear cooperation.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
25 June 2025
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Their public words of teacher praise were clearly just for show, as their conduct has been revealed to do real and lasting harm to the distinct in the name of nothing more than their own personal power and egos.—
Jay Steiger,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Admission is free, and visitors can explore the museum’s collection of more than 350 vehicles and missiles plus thousands of artifacts.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2025
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The series follows collectors in search of unique artifacts in small towns and back roads throughout the United States.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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