1
as in residue
a remaining group or portion
They tested for chemical residuals in the water.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
2
as in reminder
a lingering indication of something from the past
Some modern traditions are residuals of ancient beliefs and rituals.
Related Words
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.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of residual
Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
But many within the union still say that is not nearly enough to replace traditional broadcast residuals.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2025
And if that cave wall moisture eventually evaporates, all that’s left are residual layers of trace minerals and uranium isotopes, sans previously created thorium.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
Slavin is advocating for residuals to be included as eligible earnings for union members who are senior citizens.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
But many within the union still say that is not nearly enough to replace traditional broadcast residuals.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Salt removal critical for construction Desalination of sea sand is essential because residual salt accelerates corrosion of steel reinforcements in concrete.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2025
And if that cave wall moisture eventually evaporates, all that’s left are residual layers of trace minerals and uranium isotopes, sans previously created thorium.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
-
Pour out the mixture, refill the bucket with clean water, and mop the floor again with the clean water to thoroughly remove any residue.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
-
But residue, powder and used needles were found throughout the Leavenworth apartment, according to an affidavit describing charges against the babysitter and her boyfriend.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some buildings downtown offer harrowing reminders of this dark history.—
Quentin Corpuel,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Tanks rumbled through Tiananmen Square, a location that offered a stark reminder of how authoritarian states can violently crush democratic movements.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The walls are the only remnants of the old hotel site.—
Heather Richardson,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Sep. 2025
-
British archaeologists recently found the remnants of a 17th-century house where Isaac Newton’s mother lived – not far from the site of his famous apple tree.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Stacie continues to capture bold national attention and admiration, with her journey standing as a masterclass in fearless innovation and lasting brand excellence.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
-
That trust became a lasting source of strength.—
Sara Smith,
Variety,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The adventurous archaeologist travels the globe looking for missing artifacts and historical treasures.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The artifacts included thimbles, a needle remnant and buttons — in addition to animal bones that showed signs of butchering.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share