residual 1 of 2

noun

Definition of residualnext
1
as in residue
a remaining group or portion They tested for chemical residuals in the water.

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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.

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residual

2 of 2

adjective

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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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
Noun
In a new interview, the actor said that How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days still brings him money in residuals after all these years. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 Revenue from licensing of shows and films to streaming platforms has softened amid a general industry downturn over the past few years, while other categories of residuals have continued their longer downward trend. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
The agency warned riders to expect residual delays of up to 20 minutes systemwide. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Maybe green mana only backfired on the initial spell, but residual energy processed as planned. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
  1. residue
  2. reminder
  3. lingering
  4. remnant
  5. lasting
  6. artifact
Noun
  • The resumption of Saudi exports could help ease tight supply of heavier grades that produce more residue fuel which ⁠can be used to refuel ships or processed further at refineries, to yield higher quality fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
    — August 18, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Sleeping on your stomach or side presses your face into a pillowcase full of oil, sweat and product residue, which can clog pores, cause breakouts and eventually contribute to wrinkles.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of residue
Noun
  • Taking the jury back in time Each day of the trial has required explanations for how the world was different in 1996, a reminder for the older jurors and a remedial education for the younger ones.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The story of how the major knee injury derailed his career is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL and how short the shelf life of even the most gifted running back can be.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of reminder
Adjective
  • No more distractions, no more lingering questions, just a baller who loves this sport and continues to level up.
    — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Although the treatment significantly reduced the cancer, follow-up exams showed lingering traces of the disease.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of lingering
Noun
  • The remnants of the structure can best be seen from the Bridge of Angels, which leads to Castel Sant’ Angelo near Vatican City.
    — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Archaeologists have uncovered tombs, theaters, baths, stadiums, and other remnants of the city, which was inhabited for more than 1,000 years.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of remnant
Adjective
  • Small actions can have lasting effects Our findings suggest that many opportunities for suicide prevention occur during ordinary daily interactions.
    — Jonathan Wright, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
  • What to Watch for Roberts did not give any indication in his order Friday about when the court could issue a more lasting decision in the case.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of lasting
Noun
  • Weygold, who died in 1941, collected Native American art and artifacts, taught himself the Lakota language, and advised European museums on Native American art.
    — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The institution also preserves artifacts connected to his grandfather’s maritime history.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of artifact

Browse Nearby Words

residua
residual
residuals
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Cite this Entry

“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on residual

Nglish: Translation of residual for Spanish Speakers

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