soil 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of soilnext
1
as in dirt
foul matter that mars the purity or cleanliness of something got some sort of soil on my white pants

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2
as in dung
solid matter discharged from an animal's alimentary canal the horse lifted its tail and deposited its soil on the grass

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soil

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
as in ground
the loose surface material in which plants naturally grow bought rich soil to plant flowers in

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2
as in land
the solid part of our planet's surface as distinguished from the sea and air happy to have soil under my feet after that long sea voyage

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soil

3 of 3

verb

ˈsȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce soil (audio)
as in to stain
to make dirty oil and grease soiled the mechanic's shirt

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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 soil
Noun
That would be decided later based on studies of possible locations, soil conditions, traffic, environmental constraints and other issues. — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 Organic cannabis farming usually requires less water, thanks to healthier soil that retains moisture. — Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
As the character loses his sanity, his off-white robe begins to wilt, becoming threadlike and soiled. — Ash Wu, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2025 Accidents happen, but if your pet is frequently soiling the carpet, consider hiring a professional to help teach them how to use a litter box or ask to go outside. — Jennifer Beck Goldblatt, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for soil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soil
  1. stain
  2. dirty
  3. muck
  4. blacken
Verb
  • Although no-makeup may seem ideal in a Parisian train station, which was the inspiration behind the look, poetic taupes shape tired eyes and lips stained with last night’s lipstick speak to weary, bouffant-haired travellers instead.
    — India Espy-Jones, Essence, 13 Mar. 2025
  • There are showstoppers, like the Zaveri house (also known as the House with 365 Windows) which is now stained black with grit, its grand pilasters and geometric facade carvings in dire need of restoration, and the Teen Khuniya (or Three-Cornered House), with its distinctive triangular layout.
    — Kalpana Sunder, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of stain
Verb
  • Grease dirtied the handles of the ovens, the microwave ovens and the coolers.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Instead of dirtying a larger pot for your supporting dishes, this quaint cooker will come in handy for quick (or slower simmering) concoctions while matching your kitchen atmosphere.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2025
Definition of dirty
Verb
  • The Mountaineers found some success with the full court press in the third quarter and used the ball pressure to muck the game up.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Sure, the Blackhawks could throw $15 million a season at Mikko Rantanen or Mitch Marner this summer, or muck their way through another miserable season and hope that Kirill Kaprizov is available and willing in 2026.
    — Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Definition of muck
Verb
  • But the negro resents and utterly repudiates the effort to blacken his good name by asserting that assaults upon women are peculiar to his race.
    — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The goal is for the top to become blackened while the center remains jiggly.
    — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 13 Feb. 2025
Definition of blacken

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Cite this Entry

“Soil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soil. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on soil

Nglish: Translation of soil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about soil

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