as in loam
a brown or black material in soil that is formed when plants and animals decay
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Recent Examples of humus
When separating clumps, add humus to the new planting area, spread roots out, and water well for smooth transplanting.
—
Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024
In addition to sphagnum peat moss, however, the lightweight potting mix contains humus and perlite, which help provide the necessary aeration and drainage for cacti and succulents.
—Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and all that humus rot.
—Chris Bohjalian, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
Strobe lights periodically illuminated three large heaps of compost, flecked with humus; a machine puffed artificial fog.
—Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for humus
Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024
In addition to sphagnum peat moss, however, the lightweight potting mix contains humus and perlite, which help provide the necessary aeration and drainage for cacti and succulents.
—Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and all that humus rot.
—Chris Bohjalian, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
Strobe lights periodically illuminated three large heaps of compost, flecked with humus; a machine puffed artificial fog.
—Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for humus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humus
Noun
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Many of us can’t wait to get into our gardens, turn over that fine Illinois loam and plant.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
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Those interactions spring from the rich loam of history and lore that gives the sport its halcyon glow, and from which even a humble amateur game absorbs vicarious grandeur.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Previous wildfire testing has found roughly 20% of properties fail to meet California’s cleanup goals for potentially toxic materials after a first round of debris removal, which typically involves taking off about 6 inches of topsoil.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2025
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Bulk mulch, compost, and topsoil are sold by the cubic yard, which equals 27 cubic feet.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The design on the shirt, also worn by Arthur Fils, is meant to capture dirt dispersing upon the ball’s impact on clay.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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There is an intimacy there, on the red clay, where every shot leaves its mark.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
25 May 2025
Noun
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An 8-foot alligator was discovered perfectly disguised in the mud along a southwest Florida hiking trail, and photos of the startling sight have rattled social media.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2025
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The tales of professional golfers bemoaning mud balls and preferred lies will die by next week.—
Jordan Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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