as in harmful
causing or capable of causing harm
the damaging effects of the sun on unprotected skin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in injuring
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
the explosion in the sewers damaged the entire city's water supply
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wounding
to cause bodily damage to
his knee was badly damaged in the accident, and he walked with a limp for months
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of damaging
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Not only that, but Intel mishandled its layoffs, at least at first, with damaging effects.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
Taking a litigious stance can also risk damaging an already-shaky relationship.
—Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for damaging
Adjective
For Livramento, this means his hopes of going to the World Cup with England remain very much alive, too, so as damaging as this may prove for Newcastle in the short term, this can only be considered a good prognosis.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Not only that, but Intel mishandled its layoffs, at least at first, with damaging effects.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
The truck crossed anyway, damaging one of its tires and its siding, Kwok said.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
Taking a litigious stance can also risk damaging an already-shaky relationship.
—Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for damaging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damaging
Adjective
-
Hendryx also said the move would lead to more environmental destruction, more local air and water pollution from mining sites, more pollution from power plants, more harmful contributions to climate change emissions, and other negative impacts.—
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The lack of structure could have harmful consequences for kids in the long run.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Family Dollar store in the 3700 block of Broadway Boulevard partially collapsed July 27, killing one man and injuring others.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
29 Sep. 2025
-
This season, Lewis didn’t even make it to the opener, injuring his right hamstring late in spring training.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Williams’ brother allegedly shot the man several times, critically wounding him.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Still, Nevo's mind often drifts to the moment in Gaza when Palestinian militants detonated explosives in a home, wounding him and killing two close friends in his army unit.—
Daniel Estrin,
NPR,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Now the passion and confidence are overflowing in a way that’s detrimental.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Even some Republicans began warning this summer that letting those tax credits lapse could be detrimental, with Republican pollsters Tony Fabrizio and Bob Ward issuing a memo that cautioned an extension of the credits could make a difference in next year's midterm election.—
Amanda Seitz,
NPR,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
An optional front rack on both models adds instant utility without marring the retro-fantastic looks.—
William Roberson,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Boston comes in with three straight losses marring otherwise agreeable vibes.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The trial was designed to appeal to cash-conscious customers, who’ve been cutting eating out from their budgets, hurting restaurants’ profits.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
-
But the sale also diminishes some hopes that Berkshire would buy Oxy in its entirety, potentially hurting the stock.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
So quick, so dangerous in the final third, and surely so motivated to revive his career in a World Cup year.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
But even hanging around the base camp can be dangerous, as hundreds of holiday makers were trapped when the area was hit in an unexpected blizzard over the weekend.—
Kaijing Xiao,
ABC News,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The line is composed almost entirely of rich neutral hues of navy, gray, and cream with occasional pops of color that add interest without compromising elegance.—
Caroline Reilly,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Hemenway’s work is accessible to the beginner without compromising detail and nuance.—
Catherine Habgood
September 29,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Damaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damaging. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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