collateral damage

Definition of collateral damagenext

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 Recently, anger at this collateral damage, heightened by the fish shortage, has evolved into a political movement. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 The company says the design supports precision strikes while reducing the risk of collateral damage. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for collateral damage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collateral damage
Noun
  • There was only one fatality linked to a lithium-ion battery fire in 2025.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • As of 2022, seniors represented less than 15 percent of the city’s population but accounted for approximately 45 percent of pedestrian fatalities.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Before they were killed, those chosen for sacrifice were taken to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, or to temples or oracles scattered throughout the territory.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong celebrates with fans after scoring off a sacrifice-fly from Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field on May 4, 2026.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • In steady rain and silence, thousands marched in Novi Sad on Sunday in a gesture of respect for the victims.
    — MARKO DROBNJAKOVIC, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • American women, being birthed as special victims with special status, are not.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The major online retailer Ozon said a drone attack caused a fire to break out at its logistics center in Adygeysk, in Russia's Adygea region, but that there were no casualties.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The major online retailer Ozon said that a drone attack caused a fire to break out at its logistics center in Adygeysk, in Russia’s Adygea region, but that there were no casualties.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Rattlesnakes are lazy hunters that wait in the shadows for prey to approach.
    — RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2026
  • One reason for the pattern, after all, is that presidents fall prey to hubris following success in their own elections.
    — Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Kansas defensive end Leroy Harris III’s assignment was to rush the passer on the most pivotal play of the Jayhawks’ 33-32 loss to UCF on Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Not all signal losses are the same Most consumer drones rely on several communication and navigation systems working together.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The martyr Mohammad passed away after being wounded by occupation forces on Thursday.
    — Suheir Hashimeh, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collateral damage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collateral%20damage. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster