COLLATERAL DAMAGE Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

collateral damage

noun

Definition of collateral damage

as in fatality

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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 collateral damage There even seemed to be some collateral damage in the market on other AI companies, too. — Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 19 Oct. 2026 When Tommy dies as collateral damage of Carrie’s violence in the finale, his final words will be about those same stars. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 Dissatisfaction among commercial fishermen could cause collateral damage for Republicans in competitive races in Washington, Alaska and Maine. — Patrick Whittle, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026 The film suggests the number is elastic, from several to a dozen to as high as 500 people who were deemed permissible collateral damage, according to Israeli military personnel interviewed in the doc. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collateral damage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for collateral damage

Noun

According to Kansas City Police Department data, the fatal crash is Kansas City’s 57th traffic fatality this year.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
His death appeared to be the first fatality involving a horse carriage in Central Park since the rides began.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fatality

Noun

But research shows that if a vampire bat comes back to its colony hungry, other bats will step in and regurgitate blood to share—a costly but lifesaving sacrifice.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
What's particularly concerning is that many of these borrowers are already making significant financial sacrifices to stay current on their payments.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of sacrifice

Noun

The attack shocked the nation, and Jordan declared three days of mourning for the victims.

— Omar Akour, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
On Sunday, Jordan’s Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah attended a funeral held for the victims while Jordan’s King Abdullah II visited the injured in the hospital earlier.

— Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of victim

Noun

In Alaska, salmon are one of the main prey sources for belugas—and the fish need cold water to develop their eggs, keep their metabolism stable and prevent energy depletion during long migratory journeys.

— Ryan Green, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
But even the slower, more deliberate decision-making can fall prey to any number of cognitive biases.

— Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of prey

Noun

Fifth-year cornerback Jaden Mickey made some big stops, including a pass breakup, while the defensive front produced four sacks for 37 yards and seven tackles for loss.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
After scoring just four points on six field-goal attempts in Friday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons, Adebayo was much more aggressive in looking for his own offense on Saturday.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of loss

Noun

In Uruapan, 250 miles west of Mexico City, Manzo’s killing has sowed fear and uncertainty within his grassroots opposition Sombrero Movement, where he’s gone from leader to martyr.

— Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Cyprian was executed in 258, becoming the first bishop-martyr of Africa.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of martyr

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collateral damage

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Style

“Collateral damage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collateral%20damage. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of collateral damage

noun

Example Sentences

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