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
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
The area was badly burned, but still Simpson noticed green sprouts peeking out of the ashy soil and from the branches of trees that the average passerby might assume were dead.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2025
And that composted banana peel is likely more beneficial to soil as a physical component of soil than as a nutrition source.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soil
Noun
Almost all plants grown for retail are propagated in a soil mix that is well-suited to large-scale commercial production but not ideal for home cultivation.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
The area was badly burned, but still Simpson noticed green sprouts peeking out of the ashy soil and from the branches of trees that the average passerby might assume were dead.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
While suitable for items needing a fast refresh, notably soiled, stained, or smelly clothes require a more intensive wash cycle.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2025
And that composted banana peel is likely more beneficial to soil as a physical component of soil than as a nutrition source.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soil
Verb
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This mixture attacks stains a bit stronger than the water solution.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
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While new doors can cost anywhere from several hundred to thousands of dollars, staining, painting, and weather stripping can be done for under $150, according to O'Reilly.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Keep them in reserve as a sleep sock to ward off icy toes and prevent sweat and skin oils from dirtying your down sleeping bag.—
Adam Roy,
Outside,
28 Dec. 2025
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Garments can be dirtied again by the elements if air-dried outside.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Reports about a new desktop operating system have been mucking around for years, something that blends ChromeOS with Android.—
Luke Larsen,
Wired News,
16 Dec. 2025
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The sequence offers a distressing yet strangely cathartic vision of our total demise, where the world seems more peaceful without any human endeavors mucking it up.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Dec. 2025
Verb
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In all, more than 8,000 California wildfires blackened 525,223 acres, killed 31 people and burned 16,512 structures in the past year, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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While old shoes washing ashore might sound unique, this isn’t the first time that these leather shoes — well-preserved and blackened with time — have been found in the area.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Soil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soil. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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