residuals

noun

plural of residual
1
as in residues
a remaining group or portion They tested for chemical residuals in the water.

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2
as in reminders
a lingering indication of something from the past Some modern traditions are residuals of ancient beliefs and rituals.

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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 residuals The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would apply to compensation paid directly related to a production, excluding residuals. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026 Additionally, studios need to pay residuals to digital replicas used in reruns, and replicas cannot be used during a strike. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 And while some nights are replacing reruns of other shows, that means lower residuals for creatives, with broadcast reruns usually paying out the largest amounts for writers, actors and others involved. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026 Seeing titles licensed to cable is super important for residuals for DGA and IATSE members and a big source of many members’ income. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 Matthew McConaughey has this beloved romantic comedy to thank for most of his residuals. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026 Members of other industry unions also get residuals, either directly — for SAG-AFTRA and the Directors Guild of America — or in the form of contributions to their pension and health funds, for IATSE and other below-the-line unions. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for residuals
  1. residues
  2. reminders
  3. remnants
  4. artifacts
Noun
  • During the 19th century, factories and processing plants brought raw materials together in unprecedented quantities and consolidated their unwanted residues in the same sites.
    — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • First, the continuous scouring action of the water jet removes slag and oxidized sputtering residues, producing a clean processing interface with smooth inner walls and vertical groove profiles.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of residues
Noun
  • The way a book has been handled, underlined, and annotated, as well as the creases in the corners of pages, are reminders of this dispute and of the reader’s assertion of ownership that will remain forever on their bookshelves.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Today, Pike Park and the recreation center are among the last physical reminders of Little Mexico.
    — Alexis Guerrero, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of reminders
Noun
  • The threat of flooding continues Thursday in both Texas and across the Corn Belt, driven by the remnants of Hurricane Polo.
    — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Southern California has had a particularly swampy summer, thanks to tropical storm remnants and unusually warm ocean temperatures.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of remnants
Noun
  • Right on the touristy Promenade des Anglais, the Villa Masséna houses imperial artifacts—including Napoleon’s death mask and Empress Josephine’s diadem.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
  • This touring exhibition devoted to serial killers and criminology claims to have the largest collection of authentic true-crime artifacts in the country, including psychiatric reports and personal belongings.
    — Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of artifacts

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residual
residuals
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Cite this Entry

“Residuals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/residuals. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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