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
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Recent Examples of deadbeat
Zoey’s deadbeat father, who left her as a baby to become a rock star, does not show up to do any sort of healing.
—
Rachel Handler, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
Andres was born in Cuba to a deadbeat alcoholic who beat him, according to his attorneys.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025
The world’s biggest deadbeat has passed the begging bowl again.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Keery, with a dirty-blond dye job and a sweet deadbeat demeanor, might draw some Stranger Things fans, especially since the mix of ‘80s nostalgia with creeping dread, gory set-pieces, droll character banter and humor hatched out of fear land somewhere near that show’s tonal wavelength.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for deadbeat
Rachel Handler, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
Andres was born in Cuba to a deadbeat alcoholic who beat him, according to his attorneys.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025
The world’s biggest deadbeat has passed the begging bowl again.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Keery, with a dirty-blond dye job and a sweet deadbeat demeanor, might draw some Stranger Things fans, especially since the mix of ‘80s nostalgia with creeping dread, gory set-pieces, droll character banter and humor hatched out of fear land somewhere near that show’s tonal wavelength.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for deadbeat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadbeat
Noun
-
Leda nodded and then took a long slug from her can.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Perhaps a big slug is promised to Robinhood for its users?—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
Noun
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Ukraine this year has rapidly developed its medium and long-range drones to attack Russian targets, including Moscow’s oil facilities and other locations far beyond the frontlines.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
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The search was scheduled to continue Tuesday, including the use of drones, officials said.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Both the Desert Museum and the Phoenix Zoo have committed to taking in turtles, pupfish, and snails as needed.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
1 June 2026
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Intersperse the plants around your beans or greens to confuse slugs and snails.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 May 2026
Noun
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The Kings will inevitably be criticized for making a series of bad decisions and bum deals while Fox, Barnes and Brown grace the game’s grandest stage a year after being cast off under questionable circumstances.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
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The former great who played six seasons in Canada before a 17-year NFL career with the Oilers, Vikings, Seahawks and Chiefs once tried to rush back from a bum right ankle himself.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
1 June 2026
Noun
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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
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And typically, Wegmann added, those units are occupied by productive, working adults, not layabouts or career criminals leeching off the system, as the old narrative goes.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Honeymooners canoodling in cabanas, discreet execs in Loro Piana loafers, and the occasional celeb keeping a low profile behind Prada sunglasses.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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New styles include the Faith loafer, Paul chukka boot, Graham loafer and a new sandal assortment launching for the spring 2027 collection.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deadbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadbeat. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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