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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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

Their hearts and parapodia (appendages for swimming and crawling) regenerate, and in 17 days the slugs are good as new.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026
The effect has been especially damaging on corals, oysters, and free-swimming snails and slugs.

— Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of slug

Noun

Yet Iranian forces are still able to fire back, sending missiles and drones toward US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
After an order is placed, users open the Flytrex app and confirm their address that needs to fall within the four-mile radius of Wylie, Texas – where the drone technology is currently being deployed.

— Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of drone

Noun

Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Designed with a plunging neckline, modest bum coverage, and compressive fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, the elegant silhouette offers rich-girl vacation energy that could easily double as a bodysuit with shorts.

— Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 20 June 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

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dead

deadbeat

deadbeats

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“Deadbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadbeat. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deadbeat

noun

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