pollution

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

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 pollution Scientists discovered that pollutants found in environmental toxins, including automobile pollution and wildfire smoke, can result in elevated nitric oxide levels in the brain. Tracy J. Wholf, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2025 Another 2025 study by researchers at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health showed exposure to pollution might cause difficulty for those trying to get pregnant through IVF. Tracy J. Wholf, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2025 The crash and chemical plume forced the town to evacuate, and residents still fear long-term effects of pollution. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 These neighborhoods have, for generations, carried a heavier burden of pollution and lack of access to opportunity, as well as lower investments in infrastructure. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
  • Rinsing salmon can potentially increase the risk of contamination, says Dr. Farzad.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But for one inspection that ended in December 2022, the FDA issued a citation that noted concerns related to contamination prevention, worker hygiene and the handling of consumer complaints, documents say.
    Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration is substantially scaling back the State Department's annual reports on international human rights to remove longstanding critiques of abuses such as harsh prison conditions, government corruption and restrictions on participation in the political process, NPR has learned.
    Graham Smith, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Thao has since been indicted for bribery and corruption.
    Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The District of Columbia Circuit in 2013 also affirmed the central role of science to inform revisions of National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which set limits for six common air pollutants.
    H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Heavy oil is preferred for marine transportation due to its low cost but is a high pollutant.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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