1
as in residue
a remaining group or portion
They tested for chemical residuals in the water.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reminder
a lingering indication of something from the past
Some modern traditions are residuals of ancient beliefs and rituals.
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in lingering
still existing or happening after something is completed or removed
The oven was still warm with residual heat. The area is still dealing with the residual effects of the flood.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of residual
Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Writers fought for higher wages, protections against artificial intelligence replacing their work, and higher streaming residuals, among other gains, during the strike in 2023.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
Just imagine the residual benefits of Demidov getting to play his first two full NHL seasons as Crosby’s winger.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
Unfortunately, Brit drags some residuals of her pity party into the episode while car shopping with her husband in a scene devoid of any chemistry, then at dinner with Drew.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Writers fought for higher wages, protections against artificial intelligence replacing their work, and higher streaming residuals, among other gains, during the strike in 2023.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
During summer, rattlesnakes typically hide out in brush, under rocks or in holes during the heat of the day and come out late in the afternoon or early evening to soak up the ground’s residual heat or to sunbathe.
—Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
Just imagine the residual benefits of Demidov getting to play his first two full NHL seasons as Crosby’s winger.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
-
Take it one step further by placing a towel on your seat to protect from residual sunscreen residue.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
5 June 2025
-
The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.—
Marie Lodi,
Allure,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
But the Thunder’s utter dismantling of the Wolves in five games should serve as a reminder of the two-way wrecking ball that this team is.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
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The lottery win, in particular, was a reminder any success the Islanders have enjoyed since the dynasty years has been of the serendipitous variety.—
Jerry Beach,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Some of these dust particles may be the remnants of the countless tiny meteors that collide with Earth's atmosphere on a daily basis, while others were born of volcanic eruptions or pollution before getting carried high into the atmosphere.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
28 May 2025
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The submersible's mother ship, the MV Polar Prince, lost contact with the Titan just over an hour and a half into its descent, and a field of debris later identified as the remnants of the imploded sub was discovered four days later.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Example: notifications, likes, infinite scroll algorithms, visual or sound bonuses, levels reached through point systems, badges, ranks, or scores, used to sustain user engagement in an exponential and lasting way.—
Hamilton Mann,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
Last month, Carey was notably shut out of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite her tangible and lasting cross-genre influence on music.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2025
Noun
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The $15 admission ticket grants you access to the original 19th-century Italianate villa, the classic boxwood parterre garden, and a museum filled with photos and other artifacts detailing the Barnsley family's history.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
31 May 2025
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With a super-bright laser light engine, image speckle, as in grainy, shimmering artifacts, can become an issue.—
Benny Har-Even,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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