SOOT Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

soot

noun

Definition of soot

as in grime

a black powder that is formed when something (such as wood or coal) is burned

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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 soot Then, use one of these simple tricks to remove leftover wax and scrub soot away with warm water, soap, and a brush when you’re done. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026 The flames were contained, but the blaze destroyed the newborn’s clothes, scorched the nursery and left several other items covered in soot. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 Vikings Hall of Famer John Randle equated Ryan to the person, cloaked head to foot in soot, who shovels coal into a train engine without the passengers ever seeing his face. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 24 July 2026 A little soot is to be expected at the Georgetown restaurant, whose open kitchen is taken up by a very large metal hearth. — Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for soot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for soot

Noun

In general, our experts recommend using hot water for cutting down grease and grime.

— Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Keep reading for more cleansing balms that melt away makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and grime.

— Anna Traver, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of grime

Noun

What you’re left with is a mass of sticky gunk which slowly thickens and then dries out, creating what the expert says is a rock-solid clog.

— Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2026
At some point, all that will be left is the gunk at the bottom of the storage containers, and physics will prevent the oil from flowing through those critical pipelines.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of gunk

Noun

Prosecutors added the boys were covered in flies, filth and bedsores, were unable to walk, and were left lying in the same position for months in a Mott Haven home with no electricity.

— Alice Gainer, CBS News, 30 July 2026
In 2023, the state confiscated around 100 animals from the zoo, owing to concerns that animals were kept in filth, sick animals were allegedly denied veterinary care, and dozens of dead animal bodies and parts were on the property.

— Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

Definition of filth

Noun

Officials had to reset Buffalo’s play clock in the first quarter so umpire Tab Slaughter could smash down loose soil in the backfield.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Add the impacts of climate change, which have resulted in warmer springs and drier soils that reduce runoff into the reservoirs, and average or above-average rainfall no longer guarantees equivalent runoff.

— Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of soil

Noun

What To Store On Your Counter Utensil Crock Keep a utensil crock next to your cooktop for making meal prep a breeze.

— Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
In this rustic kitchen, the visual weight of the two breadboards balances the strong visual presence of the white crock.

— Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026

Definition of crock

Noun

And in a bedroom, tucked behind the door and covered in dust, hung a nondescript print in a black and brown frame.

— Cole Reynolds, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026
Videos posted to social media showed buildings collapsing and panicked residents running and screaming, as dust filled the sky.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of dust

Noun

Currently, the Louisiana sludge metal band has been busy headlining arenas across North America and opening stadiums in the UK and Europe for the likes of System of a Down and Queens Of The Stone Age.

— Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
The ball rolled to the sticky floor, littered with crushed six-pack carriers and a fine layer of winter sludge, and two competitors dove to fetch it.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026