1
as in dirt
foul matter that mars the purity or cleanliness of something
got some sort of soil on my white pants
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dung
solid matter discharged from an animal's alimentary canal
the horse lifted its tail and deposited its soil on the grass
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in ground
the loose surface material in which plants naturally grow
bought rich soil to plant flowers in
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to stain
to make dirty
oil and grease soiled the mechanic's shirt
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of soil
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
For best results, water these plants about once or twice a week when the top inch of soil feels dry.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Feb. 2026
Jason Carroll, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
Also, household pest-control chemicals were stored in areas where food and clean equipment were being stored, an open package of rodent bait was found in the kitchen, and the food-preparation table and breading station were soiled.
—Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soil
Noun
The hope, Heaps said, was to quickly find the Mexican winger a new club to enhance his chances of playing in the World Cup this summer on home soil.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
For best results, water these plants about once or twice a week when the top inch of soil feels dry.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
Pews were left heavily soiled in black.
—Jason Carroll, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
Also, household pest-control chemicals were stored in areas where food and clean equipment were being stored, an open package of rodent bait was found in the kitchen, and the food-preparation table and breading station were soiled.
—Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soil
Verb
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Novel staining technique Zankowski’s team used traceable silver and bromine markers to tag cellulose- and latex-derived binders in anodes.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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To Protect Materials The dishwater's scalding water can stain or dull aluminum cookware.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The spoon even comes with measuring lines for a teaspoon and tablespoon, saving you from having to dirty another utensil.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
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The adventurous actress dirties up her frock and face to play the village pariah, who reeks of fish and would be no man’s idea of a suitable wife, except perhaps the one-eyed bum who sleeps in the town square.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Whether shoveling your driveway, building a snow man with the kids, or just generally mucking around in the cold, sleet and snow, Muck Boots will keep you comfortable and protected.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Siniaková, the No. 1 doubles player in the world, started to muck things up, and Anisimova’s serve began to stray.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Feb. 2026
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And Hanceville’s fate is as murky as the fog that pours in at night, blotting out buildings and blackening the road ahead.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Soil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soil. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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