pollutants

NOUN

contaminant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

poison pollution toxic waste toxin

WEAK

hazardous waste

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Not only does the extraction of metals like gold involve large amounts of water, but it also uses cyanide and releases other pollutants, posing major environmental and health risks.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

At the station in Brintons Road, near St Mary's Stadium, the council and Environment Agency monitor levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and other pollutants.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Snails and mussels are sensitive to water pollutants.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

Oxidizers help remove pollutants by reacting with airborne chemicals and transforming them into substances that are easier to eliminate.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

The company is fined for each metric ton of pollutants over the legal limit.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt