1
as in unfavorable
opposed to one's interests
all the adverse publicity really caused the movie star's popularity to suffer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detrimental
causing or capable of causing harm
the adverse effects of the drug are too severe to allow it to be marketed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of adverse
For instance, people with certain heart conditions or those who are heat-sensitive may experience more adverse reactions than benefits from heat therapy.
—
Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 May 2026
It’s gotten to the point where a celebrity name attached to a brand can have an adverse reaction, setting up an expectation that the liquid inside is just not going to be very good.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 May 2026
As of April 30, no adverse reactions due to the consumption of the breakfast pizzas had been reported.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Mowing too little or too much can have adverse consequences for the health of the lawn and can also encourage unwanted plants to grow.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for adverse
Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 May 2026
It’s gotten to the point where a celebrity name attached to a brand can have an adverse reaction, setting up an expectation that the liquid inside is just not going to be very good.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 May 2026
As of April 30, no adverse reactions due to the consumption of the breakfast pizzas had been reported.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Mowing too little or too much can have adverse consequences for the health of the lawn and can also encourage unwanted plants to grow.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for adverse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adverse
Adjective
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Another survey, released Thursday and conducted by Emerson College Polling Massachusetts, reported 45% of its respondents viewed Healey favorably, with 35% having unfavorable view of the governor, and 20% undecided.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
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Gray faux-wood flooring Much like beige and white are unfavorable palettes these days, gray is an unwelcome choice for finishes.—
Madeline Bilis,
Architectural Digest,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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And the dejected diehard of a downtrodden franchise isn’t truly stuck in a one-sided detrimental relationship.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
11 May 2026
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That interpretation could suggest the mayor of the county’s second-largest city would be prohibited from passing legislation or speaking out against federal laws that may be detrimental to many Chula Vistans.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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However, Chloe later admitted that, despite their best efforts, her parents’ divorce — and the rumors and publicity surrounding it — did have a negative effect on her.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
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So none of the negative press circling around him manifested as a problem in your working relationship?—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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The physical displacement drives the flow of CSF through the brain’s tissues, potentially carrying away harmful waste products.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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None of this makes AI harmful in itself.—
Jonathan Avery,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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Women, people of color, and first-generation professionals were too often told their accurate perceptions of hostile environments were merely internal distortions.—
Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
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Others, like Michael (Doon Mackichan), seem openly hostile.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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Most of the viewing area is under a level 2/5 risk for severe storms, with large hail being the main threat, along with damaging winds.—
Nelly Carreño,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
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The restrictive conditions, Norman said, could be damaging.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Battista and Tucker are two of the most dangerous hitters in the state.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
12 May 2026
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If Iran gets away with charging any kind of toll or fee for passing through it, that principle is shot, and that is a dangerous thing.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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Fast forward to mid-May, and the Astros are, well, bad.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in the loss of nearly a billion barrels of oil, with the shortage growing worse every day the sea lane remains closed.—
Azhar Sukri,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adverse. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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