as in pollutants
something that is or that makes impure
a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water
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Recent Examples of contaminants
Higher water levels could bring radioactive contaminants further into the Pacific Ocean.
—
Devika Rao, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026
Hazards such as lead and other heavy metals, contaminants like PFAS and forever chemicals may be found in water throughout Indiana.
—Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026
Using a combination of durable ceramic materials and specialized membranes, the filtration unit can remove extremely small contaminants while maintaining stable operation through a self-cleaning thermal mechanism that prevents buildup and degradation over time.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
At locations with little or no planning for floods, contaminants could be released into surrounding communities and taxpayer dollars already invested in remediation could be wasted, the review found.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
While all samples met federal primary drinking water standards for contaminants, such as lead and copper, every site exceeded secondary standards, which are linked to taste, odor, discoloration, and, critically, corrosion in pipes.
—Bridget Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
Graywater from showers and kitchens, sewage from onboard systems and industrial runoff can contain chemicals and contaminants that harm marine life and degrade water quality when not treated effectively.
—Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria or other contaminants, according to the FSIS.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
This is the first study looking at the effect of these contaminants on sharks in the Bahamas, the researchers said.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Devika Rao, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026
Hazards such as lead and other heavy metals, contaminants like PFAS and forever chemicals may be found in water throughout Indiana.
—Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026
Using a combination of durable ceramic materials and specialized membranes, the filtration unit can remove extremely small contaminants while maintaining stable operation through a self-cleaning thermal mechanism that prevents buildup and degradation over time.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
At locations with little or no planning for floods, contaminants could be released into surrounding communities and taxpayer dollars already invested in remediation could be wasted, the review found.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
While all samples met federal primary drinking water standards for contaminants, such as lead and copper, every site exceeded secondary standards, which are linked to taste, odor, discoloration, and, critically, corrosion in pipes.
—Bridget Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
Graywater from showers and kitchens, sewage from onboard systems and industrial runoff can contain chemicals and contaminants that harm marine life and degrade water quality when not treated effectively.
—Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria or other contaminants, according to the FSIS.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
This is the first study looking at the effect of these contaminants on sharks in the Bahamas, the researchers said.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contaminants
pollutants
Noun
-
Scientists said the shark study findings highlight how pollutants commonly associated with human activity, including medications and recreational drugs, are making their way into ocean food webs.—
Jessica Botelho,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.—
Bay City News Service,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contaminants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contaminants. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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