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 Too often a car crash involves collateral damage to other vehicles or bystanders. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026 The collateral damage of Catherine’s quest can be devastating. — Judy Berman, Time, 27 July 2026 Contemporary efforts at pest control have also caused unanticipated collateral damage. — Elan Abrell, The Conversation, 22 July 2026 The city's population has grown, meaning there are more people at risk from collateral damage. — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for collateral damage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for collateral damage

Noun

The boy’s death, a second diabetic fatality and ongoing criminal and legislative probes expose gaps in medical training, oversight and Arizona’s deep dependence on large private child-care contractors.

— Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
In June, a New York Times investigation documented the way their taller hoods and larger blind zones contributed to rising fatalities.

— Paula Span, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of fatality

Noun

But the biggest sacrifice, one that is never fully restored unlike Pericles’ grievous losses, is the emotional weight of the play’s climax.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Brusuelas, the chief economist at RSM US, stressed that Trump would likely need to make sacrifices to meaningfully address the debt and reassure financial markets.

— Josh Boak, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of sacrifice

Noun

Western intelligence services estimate Russia is losing some 40,000 troops a month – a rate of roughly 340 casualties for every square kilometer.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
As investors divvy up which companies win or lose in the age of artificial intelligence, it's begun to look like the crowd sees online travel company Booking Holdings as a casualty.

— Isabella Gao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of casualty

Noun

Nature has blessed certain types of carnivorous plants with pretty colors, pleasant fragrances, and sticky, sugary emissions, all the better to attract and trap its prey.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2026
Yes, the specific angle of the setting sun against the mountain's unique topography creates a shadow that resembles a cougar chasing its prey.

— Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of prey

Noun

Across a run of six defeats in seven matches, which left his tenure hanging by a thread, the Forest and Brighton losses were the worst.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of loss

Noun

In a normal rom-com, this is where Jack would exit stage left as the martyr who nudged Wendy toward her true soulmate.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
In between Amos’s lines, In Times of Dragons is a saga of survival introducing different muses along the way, from a real-life ancestor, a martyr who fell in love with Jesus, and a group of rugged women.

— Tina Eves, SPIN, 13 July 2026

Definition of martyr

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collateral damage

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“Collateral damage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collateral%20damage. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of collateral damage

noun

Example Sentences

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