smog

noun

ˈsmäg How to pronounce smog (audio)
Definition of smognext
as in haze
an atmospheric condition in which suspended particles in the air rob it of its transparency the city's smog was once so bad that darkness often prevailed, even at noon

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 smog The rule also translates to an extra 90 tons a year of soot particles and 4,870 additional tons a year of smog components such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted into the air in coming years, experts say. — Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026 On this week’s episode of The Drivecast, Joel and Kyle—a Los Angeles resident with a old truck that recently failed its smog test—go beyond the headlines to explain the uncomfortable truth about Leno’s Law that no one wants to acknowledge. — Kyle Cheromcha, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026 The elevation differences cause temperature inversions, where the warm air traveling over the ridges traps the cooler air closer to the ground, along with the smog and pollution. — Daliah Singer, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026 The summer blend is meant to help limit the chances of smog in the Metro Detroit area. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smog
  1. haze
  2. fog
  3. cloud
  4. mist
Noun
  • When the two mix, the gas glows red, and the blue haze comes from light reflecting off space dust.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Moments later, the Grammy-winning artist emerged through a haze of smoke, with moody lighting setting the scene.
    — Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of haze
Noun
  • The morning fog had lifted as Bates trails one of his delivery trucks and its driver, Lee Wood.
    — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Oyamel firs thrive in cool, moist, mountainous environments, usually between 1,200 and 4,100 meters (3,940–13,450 feet) above sea level, where fog and precipitation are common.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of fog
Noun
  • This time of year is notorious for clouds moving in over the Great Lakes.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • All clouds at heights where temperatures dip below freezing have the potential to create icing conditions, according to the FAA, and icing can happen any time of year if the conditions are right.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of cloud
Noun
  • After that, the video wall froze over as white mist floated above it and snowflakes fell from the ceiling.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Spectral Lilac Lilac nods to early morning mist floating over an eerily still lake, or obscuring your path through a twisting forest.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of mist

Browse Nearby Words

smocking
smog
smoggy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smog. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on smog

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smog

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