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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of pollution
Carbon and methane pollution from LNG contribute to global heating.
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
In one instance from June 2023, hydrogen sulfide reached a one-hour average of 64 ppb — more than double California’s standard — when Hyperion operators had turned off pollution control devices, or scrubbers, for maintenance.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
The dispute is one of several to land before the Supreme Court in recent years involving the Clean Air Act and efforts to tackle air pollution.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2024
Although the traces found were low amounts, the water pollution is the latest in a series of stressors that marine animals are facing.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pollution 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
In one instance from June 2023, hydrogen sulfide reached a one-hour average of 64 ppb — more than double California’s standard — when Hyperion operators had turned off pollution control devices, or scrubbers, for maintenance.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
The dispute is one of several to land before the Supreme Court in recent years involving the Clean Air Act and efforts to tackle air pollution.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2024
Although the traces found were low amounts, the water pollution is the latest in a series of stressors that marine animals are facing.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pollution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollution
Noun
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Farmland contamination has become a contentious environmental issue in both red and blue states.Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
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The Food and Drug Administration has classified a recall of eggs sold at Costco in Tennessee and four other states in the south in caused by potential salmonella contamination as the highest risk level for infection.James Powel, The Tennessean, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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He was arrested in 1973 on corruption charges, and his 52-day long trial cost 1.25 million British pounds.Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 25 Dec. 2024
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Adams, 64, was indicted in September on federal corruption charges, pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.Mark Crudele, ABC News, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Scientists have connected both of these pollutants to a range of acute and chronic health issues.Sarah Garone, Health, 13 Dec. 2024
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Tobacco smoke has small particles that are better addressed with higher CADR ratings, while dust is a pollutant with medium-sized particles, and pollen has large particles, according to the EPA.Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pollution
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollution. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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