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
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
But that reputation is put at risk when Reef is blackmailed by a person threatening to release a damaging video of him, the contents of which are unknown.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
The Charity Commission for England and Wales investigated and criticized both sides for allowing the issue to become public and damaging the organization’s reputation, but found no evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny at Sentebale.
—Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for damaging
Adjective
This storm is capable of producing damaging winds and large hail.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
But that reputation is put at risk when Reef is blackmailed by a person threatening to release a damaging video of him, the contents of which are unknown.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
Weeks later, three women were arrested after allegedly accessing the airfield and damaging an aircraft.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
The Charity Commission for England and Wales investigated and criticized both sides for allowing the issue to become public and damaging the organization’s reputation, but found no evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny at Sentebale.
—Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for damaging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damaging
Adjective
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The new safety measures come after a barrage of lawsuits from families alleging the platform doesn't do enough to shield children from harmful content and communication with older users.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
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Vaccines can train your immune system to recognize and fight harmful germs.—
Sukhman Rekhi,
Verywell Health,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Suspect faces numerous charges Prosecutors say Greene fired multiple shots into a crowd of people, killing Kaori and injuring her 2-year-old brother.—
Christina Fan,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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An arsonist set a restaurant on fire, injuring two people trapped by the flames, before setting blazes outside a nearby synagogue and funeral home, police said Tuesday.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Police said someone pulled out a gun and fired into a crowd, wounding three people.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
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On Wednesday, Israel conducted mass strikes on Lebanon, killing more than 300 people and wounding more than 1,000.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But Louisa Millington, from Riverside, says Trump’s endorsement of Hilton is detrimental in a state like California.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
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Orion still needs some fine-tuning As would be expected, this test flight turned up several issues that need to be addressed — including the unserious and the potentially detrimental.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Ancient lava fields can be seen as dark lunar maria marring the silvery lunar surface, which themselves are threaded with bright streaks of reflective debris strewn across the surface by violent asteroid strikes.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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The demoralizing graffiti marring the main entrance to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 360 Lenox Ave.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Yet Dupuy-Spencer continued to struggle personally and financially, hurting her prospects of completing her art education.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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Correspondent Seth Doane looks at how China's long-term investments in innovation are paying off in EVs – and how protective tariffs may end up hurting American automakers down the road.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The agency also rescinded the legal and scientific basis that had long established greenhouse gases as dangerous to public health.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
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From a darkly comic road rage incident to something more ambiguous, and potentially more dangerous; from the open roads of Southern California to an exclusive country club in Montecito; and from a couple of strangers in conflict to two actual couples in conflict with each other — and themselves.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Cropped pants, like capri and ankle-length options, are a great alternative that offer some coverage without compromising on breathability.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2026
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When shopping for yourself or your family, keep these factors in mind to avoid compromising food quality.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Damaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damaging. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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