Synonyms of sediment

sediment 1 of 2

verb

ˈse-də-ˌment 

as in to settle

to cause to come to rest at the bottom (as of a liquid)

the water flowing into the reservoir is sedimenting silt faster than was originally expected

Synonyms & Similar Words

• settle
• filter
• lay
• clear
• sift
• strain
• sieve
• screen
• clarify
• resettle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• raise
• mix
• stir
• disturb
• agitate

sediment

2 of 2

noun

ˈse-də-mənt 

as in silt

matter that settles to the bottom of a body of liquid

the sediment at the bottom of the river needs to be routinely dredged so that it doesn't interfere with barge traffic

Synonyms & Similar Words

• silt
• deposition
• deposit
• precipitate
• sludge
• dregs
• grounds
• settlings
• lees
• slag
• ooze
• dross
• waste

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sediment

Verb

It’s really sedimented and entangled. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 10 June 2026

The team observed the octopuses launch objects and sediment several body lengths away. — Corryn Wetzel, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Sep. 2021

Noun

The project aims to clear sediment and decaying matter from the bottom of the lake, improve water quality and habitat conditions, reduce erosion and add recreational features and native plants, said city officials. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Rainfall, deforestation, mining and other changes upstream can alter how quickly water and sediment reach the Brahmaputra basin. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026