as in detrimental
causing or capable of causing harm
DDT has been proven to be extremely harmful to the environment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 harmful
Related article Teen TikTok skin care craze may be harmful — and expensive, study finds
Increasing blood flow to the face may also make the skin appear more flushed and hydrated as well, Reszko said, but this effect is usually temporary.
—
Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
During the course of the investigation, probable cause was developed to charge the Maynard with one count of harmful communication with a minor, according to Boisvert.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
And the reality is that any comprehensive effort to crack down on harmful chemicals requires the EPA to also wield its regulatory powers because the substances also show up in our water and the environment.
—Will Stone, NPR, 18 June 2025
Avoid reusing or reheating cooking oils to prevent harmful compounds.35
Taste and flavor: Canola, grapeseed, corn, soybean, safflower, and sunflower oils are ideal for sautéing or baking.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harmful
Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
During the course of the investigation, probable cause was developed to charge the Maynard with one count of harmful communication with a minor, according to Boisvert.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
And the reality is that any comprehensive effort to crack down on harmful chemicals requires the EPA to also wield its regulatory powers because the substances also show up in our water and the environment.
—Will Stone, NPR, 18 June 2025
Avoid reusing or reheating cooking oils to prevent harmful compounds.35
Taste and flavor: Canola, grapeseed, corn, soybean, safflower, and sunflower oils are ideal for sautéing or baking.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harmful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmful
Adjective
-
How detrimental and what that means for you is often difficult to know.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
16 June 2025
-
Getting rid of those numbers would be detrimental to the Celtics' success.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Adjective
-
The primary risks for the Midwest will be damaging winds, hail, flash flooding and the possibility of tornadoes.—
Daniel Manzo,
ABC News,
23 June 2025
-
The National Weather Service issued a moderate risk alert for severe thunderstorms across parts of North Dakota and Minnesota, warning that conditions could lead to tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail throughout Friday evening and overnight.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
Yet factories in developing countries are often portrayed as hot, uncomfortable, dangerous, and wholly unwelcoming places where workers are conscripted against their interests to toil for the betterment of the faraway West.—
Tony Morley,
National Review,
17 June 2025
-
And here, the country is experiencing a profound—and dangerous—shift.—
ASHLEY J. TELLIS,
Foreign Affairs,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
Risks and precautions Research has shown that NSAIDs have multiple adverse effects and should be used with caution, both doctors pointed out.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
-
Hall’s Visual Language Access and Acquisition Lab is a leader in researching those adverse effects and possible solutions.—
Alan Schwarz,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
After several months of strong economic news but incredibly weak consumer sentiment, America is starting to see those trends reverse: The vibes are on the rebound, but evidence is mounting that the economy is getting worse.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
28 June 2025
-
In your garden, stink bugs can be a real bad problem...—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harmful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmful. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share