1
as in residue
a remaining group or portion
They tested for chemical residuals in the water.
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2
as in reminder
a lingering indication of something from the past
Some modern traditions are residuals of ancient beliefs and rituals.
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of residual
Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Writers won meaningful protections on artificial intelligence, strengthened residuals and raised minimums that reflect the economic realities of a business that has spent the better part of a decade restructuring itself at the writers’ expense.
—George Heller, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
Despite residual discomfort, Hernandez played in all 17 postseason games, seeing time mostly in left field after Michael Conforto was not included on the playoff roster.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Noun
The union represents 116 members, who work in areas including legal, communications and residuals.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Writers won meaningful protections on artificial intelligence, strengthened residuals and raised minimums that reflect the economic realities of a business that has spent the better part of a decade restructuring itself at the writers’ expense.
—George Heller, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
Adjective
Asteroid impacts can fracture and heat Earth’s crust, creating hydrothermal systems where residual heat warms groundwater and lakes for extended periods.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
Despite residual discomfort, Hernandez played in all 17 postseason games, seeing time mostly in left field after Michael Conforto was not included on the playoff roster.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for residual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residual
Noun
-
The remaining plant residue will prevent erosion, suppress weeds and add more carbon to the soil.—
Special to The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
-
The underside of the soda fountain had brown residue accumulation.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
May 29,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Police and fire rescue experts say this is also serves a reminder to always wear personal flotation devices in and around rivers, creeks, ditches and lakes.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
-
The distant rumble of the Central line is a reminder that the real world lurks outside this cosseted haven.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Thomas missed 57 games last season, mostly because of the same lingering left hamstring issue.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2026
-
On the one hand, that means that many survive the disease without serious lingering effects.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
18 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Yi’s studio is filled with the remnants of her works.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
-
There are several Star City tourism companies that offer packages to take an excursion to Moscow or have an extended stay in this strange remnant of another age.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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Researchers say migraines may contribute to lasting changes in the brain, but overlapping factors like poor sleep and stress likely play a role too.—
Stephanie Anderson Witmer,
Health,
2 June 2026
-
Verma, who also served as a member of Parliament, renders Magadh as a place at once real and imaginary, lasting and lost—both a point of origin and an unreachable destination.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Noun
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People, places, images and artifacts can be used to prompt activation.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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According to Zhang, if the movement represents a real physical displacement rather than a sensor malfunction or imaging artifact, its performance would be extraordinary.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residual. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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