adverse

adjective

ad-ˈvərs How to pronounce adverse (audio)
Definition of adversenext
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

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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

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 adverse In the meantime, patients and providers must resort to substitute medicines, which can lead to adverse drug reactions, higher hospital costs, and preventable patient harm. — Paul Friedrichs, STAT, 30 July 2026 No reports of illness or adverse reactions have been reported to FSIS. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Aloe products that contain these compounds can act as strong laxatives, leading to diarrhea, cramping, and other digestive adverse effects. — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026 Prices reached record highs over the past two years, triggered by adverse weather conditions and poor cocoa harvests that pushed chocolate costs higher and dampened consumer sentiment. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adverse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adverse
  1. unfavorable
  2. detrimental
  3. negative
  4. harmful
  5. hostile
  6. damaging
  7. dangerous
  8. bad
Adjective
  • But using costly missiles against inexpensive drones can create an unfavorable exchange.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026
  • Organizations explain poor results by pointing to staffing shortages, difficult patients, unfavorable markets, or imperfect measures.
    — Basel Tarab, STAT, 22 July 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • Those children were held in custody for an average of 194 days before being released to sponsors, which lawyers who represent the children say is unusually long and has been detrimental to the health and safety of the children.
    — Chiara Eisner, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Much has been made of the detrimental effects of the rise in the minimum wage and an increase in employers’ national insurance costs (effectively a tax on employment) introduced by former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.
    — Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of detrimental
Adjective
  • In June, 40 mayors around the world signed a pact to curtail the negative impact of the construction of AI data centers on the natural resources, energy prices or climate targets of cities from Phoenix to Melbourne.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • The $600,000-plus Luce was originally received with an overwhelmingly negative response by just about everyone, from casual fans of the brand to passionate enthusiasts—even former Ferrari executive Luca di Montezemolo slammed the EV.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 30 July 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • The Australian watchdog's claim, filed to the federal court Wednesday, said the unlimited broadcast size of Telegram channels meant the app must take responsibility for culling harmful material.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • During the 2015-16 season, for instance, Dungeness crabs off the coast of California were infected by a harmful algal bloom of Pseudo-nitzschia, which causes domoic acid poisoning in crabs, fish, birds and marine mammals.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of harmful
Adjective
  • The extraordinary allegation offers a window into the waning days of an increasingly hostile primary race to replace Kelly, who has enjoyed broad popularity throughout her eight years in office.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The company has faced workplace and labor complaints, including allegations of racial discrimination and hostile conditions in warehouses.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Farther north, storms developing across the northern High Plains could bring damaging winds and hail as a cold front moves through parts of the Dakotas and Montana.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • The assemblage turned the damaging caricature into a revolutionary hero, and made Saar a star of the Black Arts movement.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
Definition of damaging
Adjective
  • Despite Penta's aggressive offense and dangerous maneuvers, Gable persevered, ultimately making Penta submit with a decisive ankle lock, securing a triumphant and emotional victory.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Three wildfires are burning in Spokane County, Washington, and thousands of families have been ordered to flee their homes overnight, as state officials warn of an incredibly dangerous situation and brace for what daylight may reveal.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • The period of military rule has fared worse than previous civilian governments, analysts say, with armed groups increasing their footprint across the country and the Sahel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • At one point, King and backup center Nick Samac had a bad exchange on a shotgun snap.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of bad

Browse Nearby Words

adversary
adverse
adversely
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Cite this Entry

“Adverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adverse. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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