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
Some engine builders even advise to drain the oil, then add some fresh oil with the drain plug out to flush out any remaining contaminants that did not drain completely.
—
John Paul, The Providence Journal, 7 Feb. 2026
Previous spills in Flint River The headwaters of the Flint River, which flows south all the way to Florida, begin from seepage around the area of the Atlanta airport, meaning any contaminants from that area can reach the river more easily.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Now, as the island’s ice melts because of climate change, those contaminants might be thrown into the environment.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Dredging for the port could release contaminants and disrupt marine ecosystems, leading to potential algal blooms and long-term water quality issues in Tampa Bay.
—Bradenton Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Similar to cigarette or wildfire smoke, wood smoke is composed of fine particulate matter and toxic air contaminants, and is especially harmful to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health issues.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Residents were still concerned that the facility would be built near a residential area because of public health and potential soil contaminants.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Small particles that come from cooking, some cleaning activities or burning candles, for example, are the most harmful contaminants in most indoor environments.
—William Bahnfleth, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Winter compost doesn't generate enough heat to remove contaminants.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 1 Feb. 2026
John Paul, The Providence Journal, 7 Feb. 2026
Previous spills in Flint River The headwaters of the Flint River, which flows south all the way to Florida, begin from seepage around the area of the Atlanta airport, meaning any contaminants from that area can reach the river more easily.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Now, as the island’s ice melts because of climate change, those contaminants might be thrown into the environment.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Dredging for the port could release contaminants and disrupt marine ecosystems, leading to potential algal blooms and long-term water quality issues in Tampa Bay.
—Bradenton Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Similar to cigarette or wildfire smoke, wood smoke is composed of fine particulate matter and toxic air contaminants, and is especially harmful to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health issues.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Residents were still concerned that the facility would be built near a residential area because of public health and potential soil contaminants.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Small particles that come from cooking, some cleaning activities or burning candles, for example, are the most harmful contaminants in most indoor environments.
—William Bahnfleth, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Winter compost doesn't generate enough heat to remove contaminants.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contaminants
pollutants
Noun
-
As part of its analysis of the project, DEEP also determined the addition of the two new compressors would not meet the threshold for a major modification — which is subject to more stringent review — because the increase in ozone-forming pollutants would not exceed 25 tons per year.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Instead of drifting away, those pollutants and smells are concentrating right in your neighborhood.—
Ahmad Bajjey,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contaminants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contaminants. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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