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
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Recent Examples of detritus
The detritus of overproduction that lingers on in landfills is part of us, her work suggests, an extension of our physical selves and a monument.
—
Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
In these paintings, there are models and their representations, canvases leaning against walls, reference images and artistic detritus strewn about.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 19 Feb. 2025
To spot-clean, first vacuum the top of your bed to get rid of dust, dander, and other detritus.
—Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2025
Use a light-color mattress cover to make bugs or their detritus easier to spot.
—Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detritus
Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
In these paintings, there are models and their representations, canvases leaning against walls, reference images and artistic detritus strewn about.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 19 Feb. 2025
To spot-clean, first vacuum the top of your bed to get rid of dust, dander, and other detritus.
—Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2025
Use a light-color mattress cover to make bugs or their detritus easier to spot.
—Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detritus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detritus
Noun
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Inspectors cited the Mexican restaurant for food safety violations including noticeable debris accumulation on the shelf under the salsa bar.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2025
-
Stay away from windows as flying debris generated by damaging winds can be deadly.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2025
Noun
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At the charity kitchen set up atop piles of rubble in Beit Lahia, dozens of Palestinians stood in a crowded line, pressing against one another, holding empty pots and plastic containers high in the air in hopes of receiving vegetable soup.—
MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2025
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People buried under rubble after Israel targets Hamas leader in hospital strike 00:58 3.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Crews and investigators spent days recovering the wreckage.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
8 May 2025
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The remains were found among the wreckage of the Emanuel Point II, a Spanish ship that sank in September 1559 near what is now Pensacola, Florida.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
6 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detritus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detritus. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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