as in loam
a brown or black material in soil that is formed when plants and animals decay
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Recent Examples of humus
When separating clumps, add humus to the new planting area, spread roots out, and water well for smooth transplanting.
—
Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024
In addition to sphagnum peat moss, however, the lightweight potting mix contains humus and perlite, which help provide the necessary aeration and drainage for cacti and succulents.
—Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and all that humus rot.
—Chris Bohjalian, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
Strobe lights periodically illuminated three large heaps of compost, flecked with humus; a machine puffed artificial fog.
—Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for humus
Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024
In addition to sphagnum peat moss, however, the lightweight potting mix contains humus and perlite, which help provide the necessary aeration and drainage for cacti and succulents.
—Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and all that humus rot.
—Chris Bohjalian, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
Strobe lights periodically illuminated three large heaps of compost, flecked with humus; a machine puffed artificial fog.
—Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for humus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humus
Noun
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Many of us can’t wait to get into our gardens, turn over that fine Illinois loam and plant.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
-
Those interactions spring from the rich loam of history and lore that gives the sport its halcyon glow, and from which even a humble amateur game absorbs vicarious grandeur.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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At one point, there were so many visitors that the cemetery had to bring in a pickup truck full of topsoil to replace what was taken, per The Morning Call.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
29 June 2025
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Last month, archaeologists were able to start excavating and securing the site, which is located on a low beach embankment and protected only by a thin layer of topsoil.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
17 June 2025
Noun
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There’s also a shooting range, a sporting clays setup, and a secluded swimming hole with a dock.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
14 July 2025
-
Of those wins, two were on clay and one was on hard court.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Directing disaster tourists to one spot Last September, local officials assumed the mud and debris in Marshall would be enough to keep tourists away.—
Lila Hempel-Edgers
July 22,
Charlotte Observer,
22 July 2025
-
Astronomer’s company name has been dragged through the mud, though the vast majority of people sharing the image of Bryon and Cabot probably could not even describe what the company does.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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