as in contaminants
something that is or that makes impure
filtered the pollutants out of the water
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Recent Examples of pollutants
Scientists said the shark study findings highlight how pollutants commonly associated with human activity, including medications and recreational drugs, are making their way into ocean food webs.
—
Jessica Botelho, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.
—Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Without needing batteries or wires, the Moso Natural air-purifying bag attracts particles out of the air like a magnet, and continuously works to remove odors and harmful pollutants from your home, filled with just one powerful ingredient -- moso bamboo charcoal.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
The Iran war has unleashed a toxic mix of chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants that threaten everything from agriculture to drinking water to people’s health — and will leave behind environmental damage and health risks that could persist for decades, experts said.
—Tammy Webber, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
Storm water can contain harmful pathogens and pollutants from overflowing sewage systems and animal feces flowing into storm drains.
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
More immediately, emissions have consequences — just ask the Bronx residents that suffer from higher rates of asthma as a result of vehicle emissions in tandem with other pollutants.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The coalition noted that current atmospheric conditions — including marine layer inversions and low winds — may be trapping pollutants at ground level, worsening exposure for residents.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Erb noted the installation of a baghouse to capture pollutants from the melt shop, upgrades to the furnace emissions collection system, ductwork, fans and installation of additional air monitoring technology.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Jessica Botelho, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.
—Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Without needing batteries or wires, the Moso Natural air-purifying bag attracts particles out of the air like a magnet, and continuously works to remove odors and harmful pollutants from your home, filled with just one powerful ingredient -- moso bamboo charcoal.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
The Iran war has unleashed a toxic mix of chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants that threaten everything from agriculture to drinking water to people’s health — and will leave behind environmental damage and health risks that could persist for decades, experts said.
—Tammy Webber, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
Storm water can contain harmful pathogens and pollutants from overflowing sewage systems and animal feces flowing into storm drains.
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
More immediately, emissions have consequences — just ask the Bronx residents that suffer from higher rates of asthma as a result of vehicle emissions in tandem with other pollutants.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The coalition noted that current atmospheric conditions — including marine layer inversions and low winds — may be trapping pollutants at ground level, worsening exposure for residents.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Erb noted the installation of a baghouse to capture pollutants from the melt shop, upgrades to the furnace emissions collection system, ductwork, fans and installation of additional air monitoring technology.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pollutants
contaminants
Noun
-
Higher water levels could bring radioactive contaminants further into the Pacific Ocean.—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Hazards such as lead and other heavy metals, contaminants like PFAS and forever chemicals may be found in water throughout Indiana.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pollutants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pollutants. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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