Thesaurus results for HUMUS

humus

noun

Definition of humus

as in loam

a brown or black material in soil that is formed when plants and animals decay

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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 humus This includes decaying plant and animal residues, humus, and living microorganisms. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 8 June 2026 In flower beds, a light layer acts as natural mulch, insulating roots and conserving soil moisture while decomposing into rich humus over time. — Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2025 Composting in the garden is just a way of speeding up the natural process that creates soil all over the world, as organisms such as bacteria, fungi, insects and earthworms consume dead plants to make humus. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2026 Unless the compost is fully broken down into humus, this incorporation will also work organic matter into the soil, which helps with aeration and further supports microorganisms. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for humus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humus

Noun

Loamy and sandy loams are the ideal soil type.

— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
Soil types include gravel and sedimentary loam closer to the river and volcanic rock distributed on the hillsides, a combination that adds distinct aromas, flavors, and minerality to the wines made here.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2026

Definition of loam

Noun

Its most intense years stretched from roughly 1934 to 1939, when prolonged heat, failed rains and relentless winds stripped topsoil from farms across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Never cut big roots or pile on topsoil—opt for groundcovers or call a pro if roots threaten structures.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 24 June 2026

Definition of topsoil

Noun

The importance of falling well has only grown as players have adapted movement patterns from clay and hard courts to grass.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 3 July 2026
That meant ditching some of the traditional tools used in vehicle design, like the clay models used by car designers since the 1930s.

— Andrew Staples, Fortune, 3 July 2026

Definition of clay

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hums

humus

humuses

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“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of humus

noun

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