collateral damage

noun

Definition of collateral damagenext
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 Whatever the real motive, foreign customers—including many of Europe’s Fortune 500—became collateral damage in a dispute between the administration and one of America’s leading AI developers. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 June 2026 Herbicide Damage Yellowing leaves can also occur as collateral damage from nearby weed killer applications. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026 The history of warfare is often measured in winners, losers, troop sizes, dollars and human casualties; but collateral damage across the animal kingdom far outlasts the final shot. — The Los Angeles Times, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 The vice president and other officials have downplayed evidence of collateral damage in their crackdown on fraudulent hospices. — Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for collateral damage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collateral damage
  1. fatality
  2. sacrifice
  3. victim
  4. casualty
  5. prey
  6. loss
  7. martyr
Noun
  • The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2026
  • Police in the post said the incident resulted in one fatality.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of fatality
Noun
  • The announcement came a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Balochistan's capital, Quetta, and told the families of 42 people killed in the attacks that their sacrifices were not in vain and those responsible would be brought to justice.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • As some participants vow to be crucified in exchange for family members’ recovery from ill health, panata is also understood as a sacrifice made out of love for others in the community.
    — H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026
Definition of sacrifice
Noun
  • The most meaningful one for her was an ornament workshop attended by several victims of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • The Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) identified the victim as 18-month-old Wilson Mathias Jr.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Definition of victim
Noun
  • An Israeli strike hit the same street half an hour earlier, causing no casualties.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Of course, every nomination morning produces its share of surprises and casualties.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 July 2026
Definition of casualty
Noun
  • Now, a new study on the diet of gray wolves suggests that the population regrowth is a result of the animals feasting on cattle, as their natural prey sources remain comparatively scarce.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Whether in an urban backyard or on a remote island, cats are unlikely to turn a blind eye to available prey.
    — Christopher A. Lepczyk, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Definition of prey
Noun
  • But the uninspired all-around performance sealed a series loss on the final weekend of the season’s first half.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • Garbrandt, once an undefeated bantamweight king, now holds a 15-8 record, with most losses coming by finish.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • In 2020 Pope Francis recognized Gerardi as a martyr, advancing his cause for canonization in the Roman Catholic Church.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
  • Iranian state media and the regime routinely refer to Khamenei as a martyr.
    — Babak Dehghanpisheh, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of martyr

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collateral damage
collateral damages
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Cite this Entry

“Collateral damage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collateral%20damage. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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