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
George Heller, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
Many actors rely on residuals to supplement their income until their next job arrives, but in the streaming era, those payments have plummeted, SAG-AFTRA has said.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 3 May 2026
Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
However, due to its short residual properties, Krawczyk says sprays must be reapplied weekly during the moth's flight.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
Writers won meaningful protections on artificial intelligence, strengthened residuals and raised minimums that reflect the economic realities of a business that has spent the better part of a decade restructuring itself at the writers’ expense.
—George Heller, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
Many actors rely on residuals to supplement their income until their next job arrives, but in the streaming era, those payments have plummeted, SAG-AFTRA has said.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 3 May 2026
Adjective
According to a city staff report, the loan carries a 3% interest rate and will be repaid from residual project income after operating expenses and other debt obligations are paid.
—Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
However, due to its short residual properties, Krawczyk says sprays must be reapplied weekly during the moth's flight.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
-
Bar soaps contain talc and fatty acids that leave a residue on your shower’s surfaces that can be hard to remove.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
22 May 2026
-
If any residue is still present, repeat the treatment process.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
21 May 2026
Noun
-
An awkward reminder for Man United fans.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Vorhoff noted that while municipalities nationally have invested heavily in outdoor spaces following the pandemic, that spending has begun to level off in light of other competing needs, and the economic analysis is a reminder that parks serve as more than just attractive backdrops for cities.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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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More specifically, scientists led by Hiroko Miyahara of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Solar–Terrestrial Environment and Climate Unit in Japan have found remnants of a dramatic solar proton event in tree rings dating back 825 years.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
22 May 2026
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Once fully dry, confirm that all remnants are gone using a UV light.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
21 May 2026
Adjective
-
By putting phones aside, moments are more meaningful, and spontaneous conversations can blossom into lasting friendships.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2026
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Her approach reflects a broader effort to build care models that can support lasting access, equity, and accountability.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Many of the artifacts were visiting the United States for the first time.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The artifact was found on the grounds of Vindonissa, a major Roman legionary camp.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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