Synonyms for

Dust

Verb / dʌst / Another word for dust — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or on surfaces or carried in the air

Synonyms & similar words

debris detritus rubble junk sprinkle disperse dot scatter powder grime soot debris dirt ash chaff filth rubble scrapings sediment silt smut trash waste particles dregs leavings remains residue

Synonyms by register

Formal

particulate residue detritus

Informal

grime dirt crud gunk

Literary

mote effluvium

Antonyms

cleanliness purity tidiness order shine polish

Common collocations

  • dust bunnies
  • dust off
  • dust storm
  • dust mite
  • dust cloud
  • dust bowl
  • dust jacket

Word family

noun dust
verb dust
adjective dusty

Usage note

As a verb, 'dust' can mean to remove dust or to sprinkle with a fine powder. Be mindful of context to avoid confusion.

Example sentences

  1. I can see the dust on the table.
  2. I wiped the dust off the lampshade.
  3. The wind blew the dust in my eyes.
  4. I need to dust the furniture before the party.
  5. I hate cleaning up dust.

Quotes

  • Dust is a protective coating for fine furniture.
  • Dust is a funny thing. It just seems to accumulate out of nowhere.
  • Dust is a fact of life. It exists everywhere.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words