DEADBEAT Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

deadbeat

noun

ˈded-ˌbēt

Definition of deadbeat

as in slug

a lazy person he snapped instructions to the deadbeats who were standing around watching the work pile up

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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 deadbeat Andres was born in Cuba to a deadbeat alcoholic who beat him, according to his attorneys. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025 As half owner of that house, you are entitled to live in it without being berated by a deadbeat. — Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2025 As half-owner of that house, you are entitled to live in it without being berated by a deadbeat. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2025 The world’s biggest deadbeat has passed the begging bowl again. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deadbeat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadbeat

Noun

But in an aging lineup that has lacked slug for the majority of the second half, an absence such this is not nearly as easy to cover.

— Katie Woo, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
On a late November afternoon in 1991, Sam Aiuppa climbed into a stand and dropped a slug into his Remington 870.

— Scott Einsmann, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of slug

Noun

The sheriff's office's drone was used to assist in checking the approximately 28-acre property and helped identify old kennel and animal-confinement areas.

— River Valley Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
After the closing bell Wednesday, drone maker AeroVironment and retailer American Eagle Outfitters report.

— Jeff Marks,Zev Fima, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of drone

Noun

Cocktail chatter on the Lido held that this was a more minor work than anticipated, and many of those positive reviews nevertheless included a few bum notes.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Kennedy’s Albany is a vital, violent place, a hothouse of gangsters, pool hustlers, bums, crooked politicians, and showgirls.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of bum

Noun

Marlon's Shorty Meeks is in his 25th year of high school, but has made millions as a layabout live-streamer.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
When layabout postman Jesper gets assigned to the frozen town of Smeerensburg with an ultimatum to process 6,000 letters, a reclusive toymaker might be his only hope.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026

Definition of layabout

Browse Nearby Words

dead

deadbeat

deadbeats

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“Deadbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadbeat. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of deadbeat

noun

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