LEFTOVER Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

leftover 1 of 2

noun

ˈleft-ˌō-vər

Definition of leftover

as in remainder

an unused or unwanted piece or item typically of small size or value that doormat is just a leftover from when the new carpet was installed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whole

as in rest

leftovers plural a remaining group or portion take as many of these calendars as you want, and put the leftovers back on the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leftover

2 of 2

adjective

as in residual

still existing or present after other parts are used or removed This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 leftover

Noun

Working in his parents’ attic in London, Perkin began experimenting with aniline, a clear oil derived from coal tar—the leftover thick black goo from Victorian gas lighting. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026 Sunday features a few leftover storms, as a cold front crosses the area. — Rachael Jay, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Adjective

When the oven heats up again, leftover residue can bake onto the surface. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026 The Fresh Stretch Pod is a clever kitchen gadget designed to keep leftover halves fresher by reducing air exposure. — Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for leftover

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leftover

Noun

The agreement would provide Warner's daughter with the majority remainder of the Warner Family Trust and estate but remains subject to court approval, Pamela Warner's attorneys said.

— Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Former Stars coach Lorne Donaldson also will rejoin the team as interim director of coaching for remainder of the year.

— Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of remainder

Noun

Water, snacks, rest and weather conditions shape the schedule, with his well-being guiding each appearance.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
When budgets tighten, the report finds consumers protect relationships, rest and personal growth first, cutting material purchases and discretionary splurges before anything tied to connection or well-being.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rest

Adjective

Conditions gradually improve at night, although lingering showers, thunderstorms and pockets of residual flooding remain possible.

— Justin Lewis, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
The hydrogen peroxide treatment then attacks the remaining dye-cotton linkages and removes residual color.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of residual

Noun

End-of-life rare-earth permanent magnets, manufacturing swarf, and other scrap containing critical minerals were deemed recoverable resources essential to national security.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Another scrap of Shakespeare appeared, longer this time, echoing down the corridor of memory.

— Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of scrap

Adjective

Bordering the Indian Ocean, the game reserve’s unique coastal location brings seven lush ecosystems into the picture, including a portion of the world’s last remaining sand forest.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
If scholarships, grants, employer assistance and federal loans aren't enough, private student loans can help cover remaining education expenses.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of remaining

Noun

Dolly's remnants also bringing rain Elsewhere, the hurricane center is keeping an eye on whether the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly could develop again.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Dolly’s remnants are now just a surface trough of low pressure producing a disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms stretching from over portions of Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of remnant

Browse Nearby Words

left (out)

leftover

leftovers

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of leftover

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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