Thesaurus results for DETERGENT

detergent

noun

Definition of detergent

as in soap

a substance used for cleaning add the detergent to the washing machine before putting in the clothes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 detergent The heat-conductive aluminum core is fully enclosed in a thick layer of stainless steel, so there’s no risk of minerals and detergents degrading the core. — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 Don’t overdose the amount of detergent required, and skip the use of fabric softeners, which leave excessive residue in the washer that feeds mildew spores. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026 Leather should never be soaked, while canvas and mesh can handle warm water and mild detergent (mesh may need an extra rinse to remove dirt from the weave). — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026 Space laundry is a rather active area of research today — astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) recently tested a space detergent, and the Chinese space program has developed a washing machine suitable for low-water use. — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detergent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detergent

soap

Noun

Data from Circana shows that during the first half of the year, eaux de parfum saw the strongest performance, though on the other end of the pricing and intensity spectrum, so did ancillary products like soaps, creams and shower gels.

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of soap

Browse Nearby Words

deterged

detergent

detergents

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Detergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detergent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of detergent

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on detergent

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes