1
as in debris
the portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed the detective noticed an ashy residue in the sink and deduced that a piece of paper had been burned there

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 residue The ultra-sheer formula leaves no white residue behind, yet still protects with broad-spectrum SPF 30—exactly what the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 2 May 2025 If the new battery isn’t making contact right away, a quick swipe with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab can help remove any residue and ensure a proper connection. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2025 Investigators searched the home, finding narcotics paraphernalia, drug residue and a used Narcan nasal spray used to treat opioid overdoses, deputies said. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The formulation is engineered to absorb quickly, leaving behind no residue (yes, your clothes will be safe)—only a smooth, dry-to-the-touch finish that feels clean and refreshingly weightless on the skin. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for residue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residue
Noun
  • Inspectors cited the Mexican restaurant for food safety violations including noticeable debris accumulation on the shelf under the salsa bar.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025
  • Stay away from windows as flying debris generated by damaging winds can be deadly.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Just four songs in, Tesfaye’s failing voice necessitated the cancelation of the gig’s remainder.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
  • Mikal Bridges started, played a ceremonial, singular minute to preserve his perfect attendance streak, then hit the bench for remainder of the afternoon.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the charity kitchen set up atop piles of rubble in Beit Lahia, dozens of Palestinians stood in a crowded line, pressing against one another, holding empty pots and plastic containers high in the air in hopes of receiving vegetable soup.
    MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • People buried under rubble after Israel targets Hamas leader in hospital strike 00:58 3.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Even as a therapist, Luke admits to grappling with shame around rest.
    Stephanie Long, Essence, 15 May 2025
  • Oilers at Golden Knights 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Edmonton can also clinch the series and some rest here.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Crews and investigators spent days recovering the wreckage.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 8 May 2025
  • The remains were found among the wreckage of the Emanuel Point II, a Spanish ship that sank in September 1559 near what is now Pensacola, Florida.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • While the boosters included parachutes allowing them to be recovered and reused, the fuel tank was designed to disintegrate during its atmospheric reentry along a ballistic trajectory ensuring any remnants landed in the Indian or Pacific Oceans.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 May 2025
  • In a place as old and majestic as Rome, even the mundane can contain fascinating remnants of history.
    Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Residue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residue. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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