Synonyms for

Remains

Verb / rɪˈmeɪnz / / ri:ˈmeɪnz / Another word for remains — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The parts of something that are left after the rest has been used, removed, or destroyed.

Synonyms & similar words

stay stiff continue stayon change rest cadaver corpse remain clay persist leftover remnant rest ruins vestige trace debris detritus leavings scrap wreckage ashes bones corpse carcass relic artifact memento memory legacy

Synonyms by register

Formal

residue vestige leavings remnant

Informal

leftovers what's left dregs

Literary

relics effluvia

Antonyms

disappears vanishes departs leaves goes ceases

Common collocations

  • physical remains
  • human remains
  • animal remains
  • archaeological remains
  • scientific remains
  • historical remains
  • remains to be seen

Word family

noun remainder
verb remain

Usage note

As a noun, 'remains' often refers to what is left after something has been destroyed, used up, or has died. As a verb, it means to continue to exist or stay in a particular place.

Example sentences

  1. The remains of the meal were thrown away in the garbage.
  2. The remains of the old bridge were used to build the new one.
  3. The remains of the ancient civilization can be found in the ruins.
  4. The remains of the shipwreck were scattered along the beach.
  5. The remains of the forest fire could be seen for miles.

Quotes

  • 'What remains after all that is taken away?' - Sylvia Plath
  • 'What remains is the essence of what we are.' - Jack Kornfield
  • 'What remains is what is true.' - Dorothy Allison

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