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
Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
The residuals will flow into the city of San Diego’s wastewater line and ultimately to the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant.
—Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Oh well, might as well prepare for the next performing arts season — which technically begins in the fall — while reminding folks of some residual summer musicals.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
Their slate will focus on strong contracts, healthcare reforms, AI protections, stronger residuals, safe working conditions and paying attention to the unique needs of the union’s 25 Locals, Astin said.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
The residuals will flow into the city of San Diego’s wastewater line and ultimately to the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant.
—Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
After Whitney Houston died in 2012, an estate tax dispute arose with the IRS over the value of her entertainment royalties, residual income, and other assets.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Oh well, might as well prepare for the next performing arts season — which technically begins in the fall — while reminding folks of some residual summer musicals.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
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Pan release was equally impressive — a quick flip freed the loaves and no residue remained in the pan.—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Aug. 2025
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Because of that, the remaining residue isn't exactly pleasant to eat, according to the expert.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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For parents, this is a reminder that helping kids tell their own stories with a sense of choice and authorship, whether about a playground conflict or a family move, can plant seeds of resilience.—
J. David Creswell,
Scientific American,
12 Aug. 2025
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As the Sarajevo Film Festival heads into its 31st edition later this week, the event is perhaps one of the greatest reminders in the film world of how culture and art can prevail during times of great turmoil and political unrest.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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These same groups later carried out many of the grisly sectarian massacres of Alawite civilians along Syria’s coastal Latakia province in March, which killed at least 1,479, mostly civilians, following attacks by remnants of the former Assad regime.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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In the summer of 2025, the Trumps swapped out one of the major remnants of the Kennedys' influence: the central lawn.—
Kyler Alvord,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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His 2020 reelection sparked the largest protests in Belarus' history, lasting months and prompting a severe crackdown resulting in more than 65,000 arrests and sanctions from the West.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Aug. 2025
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Money brings safety, but intelligent risk-taking creates opportunity, growth and lasting satisfaction in turning ideas into reality with the right people, vision and purpose.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But of the various artifacts of American political exceptionalism, none so reliably damages democracy as gerrymandering.—
Dan Perry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
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Only a limited number of artifacts are on display at one time on the museum’s two floors, which may disappoint Dylan’s most devoted followers.—
Gary Stoller,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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