1
as in contamination
the action or process of making the environment dirty or harmful
The company designed devices to reduce the pollution of the world's oceans.
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2
as in corruption
something that makes (someone) less pure, honest, or moral
They refused to let their children play violent video games, believing that they caused pollution in a developing mind.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pollution
Particulates are the main issue from the fires The index ranges from green, where the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk, to maroon, which is considered hazardous.
—
Steve Karnowski, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
In these conditions, most people could experience irritated eyes, nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, the pollution control agency said.
—Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 3 June 2025
Heavy truck traffic has also contributed to terrible pollution in California’s Central Valley.
—Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2025
That is due to urbanization, land disturbance, tourism, habitat destruction, air pollution, erosion and a loss of wetlands.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Steve Karnowski, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
In these conditions, most people could experience irritated eyes, nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, the pollution control agency said.
—Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 3 June 2025
Heavy truck traffic has also contributed to terrible pollution in California’s Central Valley.
—Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2025
That is due to urbanization, land disturbance, tourism, habitat destruction, air pollution, erosion and a loss of wetlands.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
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Three lots of a drug designed to treat various urinary tract infections have been recalled because the white round tablets might have black spots from microbial contamination.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
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Inspectors said Trump’s club was out of compliance with many rules regarding food be protected from contamination.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2025
Noun
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The film's themes of corruption and the brave whistleblowers who expose it feel particularly apt in this current moment.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
5 June 2025
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Hochul chose him after his predecessor, Benjamin Brian, resigned amid charges of corruption, which were eventually dropped.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Many of these pollutants can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress that can damage cells and tissues, ultimately resulting in health problems.—
Paul McClure
June 03,
New Atlas,
3 June 2025
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The report attributed the symptoms to the high levels of pollutants — including, near Lybrook, hydrogen sulfide, a compound that gives off the sulfur smell that Amari associates with his headaches.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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