Definition of detritusnext
as in debris
the portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed the expanse of tree stumps represented the detritus of a vast forest that had been mercilessly clear-cut

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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 detritus The new picture also captures shadowy fractures and pits that hint at large volumes of water ice still buried beneath the surface, as well as numerous impact craters surrounded by the detritus of their own explosive formation. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026 Across the jagged volcanic landscape of spontaneous eruptions and tumbling detritus, a space of relative calm will invariably open up. Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 13 Apr. 2026 Along with other conflicts, terrorist attacks, and the detritus of previous wars, bomb detection and disposal units are gaining far too much experience in dealing with such threats to life and limb as well as learning from the painful examples of others. David Szondy april 11, New Atlas, 11 Apr. 2026 Energy analysts sifting through the supply-chain detritus left by the US-Israel war with Iran have concluded that China will come out on top. Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detritus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detritus
Noun
  • Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
  • The debris – space rocks known as meteoroids – collides with Earth's atmosphere at high speed and disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • At least one car was trapped beneath the rubble.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
  • Her body was pulled from the rubble hours later when rescuers were able to reach the scene.
    Bassam Hatoum, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Photos from the wreckage show, among other pages from the emergency manual, instructions for a water landing lying loose at the crash site.
    James Glanz, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • One option is the wreckage of the second Death Star.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Other people are giving up on remote Nyatim and going home to ruins.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • There are ancient ruins hidden among the peaks of Colombia, and floating islands on Peru’s most sacred lake.
    Carla Vianna, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detritus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detritus. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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