deadly 1 of 2

Definition of deadlynext
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deadly

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective deadly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deadly are fatal, lethal, and mortal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When would fatal be a good substitute for deadly?

In some situations, the words fatal and deadly are roughly equivalent. However, fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

When is lethal a more appropriate choice than deadly?

While in some cases nearly identical to deadly, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

When could mortal be used to replace deadly?

The synonyms mortal and deadly are sometimes interchangeable, but mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable.

a mortal wound

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 deadly
Adjective
Medical specialists took to the airwaves to warn of the potentially deadly cocktail of drinking alcohol in extreme heat. ABC News, 22 June 2026 The single-engine turboprop plane that crashed in Butler, Missouri, soon after takeoff June 14 had just been brought in for skydiving flights 12 days before the deadly incident, The Star has learned. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026
Adverb
Like those albums, LP4 operates with its own sense of logic and time, sounding alternately playful and deadly serious, proudly complex and refreshingly pared back. Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 4 May 2026 In Langbein’s comic, but also deadly serious, imagination, this is no mere metaphor. Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
  • Haiti later won a true goal thanks to a lethal shot from Isidor.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
  • Now 34 years later, Florida is set to execute Spencer by lethal injection on Thursday, June 25.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • This sheer shade is a light and delicate pink with a hint of beige.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 27 June 2026
  • The sheer number of deals available can make shopping overwhelming for even the savviest shoppers.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the popular imagination, romantasy is a heterosexual affair, centered on mortal heroines and their supernatural suitors.
    Angelina Mazza, Vulture, 19 June 2026
  • This season, the previously unparalleled superpowers of Scheffler’s iron play have diminished to near-mortal capabilities.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Adverb
  • Now, multiple residents are left worried about what's to come next week with extremely hot temperatures in the forecast.
    Heath Kalb, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Despite being the fourth largest economy in the world — the home of Hollywood and Silicon Valley — California’s budget is extremely dependent on the state’s most prosperous residents.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The fatal attack came 16 days later.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Detectives identified James Goodman, 39, and Devinae Mitchell, 26, both of Hercules, as suspects in the fatal shooting, police said.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, since the Scaloni era’s unprecedented winning streak, Argentineans’ adoration of Messi has, at last, become unconditional.
    Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
  • If the Heat’s pick in next year’s draft falls between 1 and 14, Miami would keep that pick and send Charlotte an unconditional first-round pick in 2028.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Both were pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • Satellite photos showed the destruction in Venezuela left by two powerful earthquakes that struck Wednesday and left more than 900 people dead.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 27 June 2026
Adverb
  • This butter-yellow tunic feels cheerful, airy, and incredibly chic for summer.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026
  • The producers are amazing, the writers are amazing, the director's amazing and Netflix has been nothing but incredibly supportive.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadly. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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