1
as in dirt
foul matter that mars the purity or cleanliness of something
got some sort of soil on my white pants
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Ben Croll, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Her dad planted a redbud tree, in bad soil, outside her bedroom window.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025
Gardeners visit homes weekly, sometimes even daily, tending not just to soil and irrigation but also to the evolving priorities of clients.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soil
Noun
Five years on, the incentive has proven transformative, driving studio expansion, nurturing talent and attracting a steady stream of high-profile international projects to French soil.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Her dad planted a redbud tree, in bad soil, outside her bedroom window.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
Apply insecticide to soil to control or eliminate an armadillo's food source, though a dwindling food supply can encourage armadillos to root more for a new source.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025
Gardeners visit homes weekly, sometimes even daily, tending not just to soil and irrigation but also to the evolving priorities of clients.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soil
Verb
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Scorched and stained pots and pans almost always require scraping and scouring, and cast-iron skillets can rust when soaked.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Julia Fox's costume consisted of a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly after the assassination of her husband.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The ashes from the crematorium chimney covered the streets, sooted the rain, dirtied the snow, damaged the crops, infected every body.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
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At Dilara Findikoglu, models looked like ladies in waiting that had risen from the dead; wearing antiquated corsetry that was dirtied and torn.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Spencer said that vibe came out of a band — which has been filled with Tweedy family pals including members of Finom — at liberty to muck about with the arrangements.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
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The Tigers’ offense isn’t going to scare Georgia, but the Auburn defense is allowing 16.4 points per game and could muck this game up.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The footage from drone cameras shows a large area of industrial Louisville charred and blackened from smoke and fire damage.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Skip any skins that look moldy, blackened, or spoiled.—
Cathy Cassata,
Health,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soil. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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