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
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
The world’s biggest deadbeat has passed the begging bowl again.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Developing the skills to avoid deadbeat roommates: priceless.
—Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Sep. 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
Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2025
The world’s biggest deadbeat has passed the begging bowl again.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Developing the skills to avoid deadbeat roommates: priceless.
—Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Sep. 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
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The second dog, a large mixed breed, was critically wounded by a stray slug and died before it could be brought to an Animal Care Centers of NYC facility for treatment, officials said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In 1975, Caldwell, who had kept the slug, donated it to the museum and sat down with museum officials and told his story.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Uforce is developing several defense technologies, including counter-uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), maritime and strike drones and battlefield software.—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
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One of the reasons American troops would be vulnerable on Kharg Island is its close proximity to the Iranian mainland, from which missiles, drones and artillery could be fired.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There are 20 arrondissements within Paris, which spiral out like a snail’s shell with one in the center and 20 at the edge.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Ripa asked at the time, inquiring about the awkward positioning of snails in the act.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Its silhoutte is relaxed but still makes sure to flatter your bum.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
24 Mar. 2026
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As far as the law is concerned, though, bum deals are a twilight zone.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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In Noah Baumbach’s 2007 movie Margot at the Wedding, Jack Black’s character, a would-be painter, former musician, and general layabout named Malcolm, is accused by his fiancée of being competitive with everyone.—
Ryu Spaeth,
Vulture,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ballet flats bring a certain softness, while a brown loafer provides an often necessary weight and balance.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
29 Mar. 2026
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To channel the look, pair a bucket hat with a slouchy polo tee and loafers—bright red trousers offer the perfect splash of modernity.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deadbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadbeat. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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