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
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Although the scent of mint is deeply appealing to most human noses, many pests don’t like the smell or taste of mint – including slugs and snails.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 June 2026
-
Hand remove the slugs to eliminate them from your plants.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
Noun
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The department has used both drones and its structural firefighting robot in its efforts to extinguish the Boyle Heights fire.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
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In May 2026 the Royal Australian Navy awarded it its first international defense contract, ordering P4 Transwing drones for autonomous maritime logistics, with an option on larger P5 models from 2027.—
Omar Kardoudi
June 21,
New Atlas,
21 June 2026
Noun
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Keeping Away Pests The alluring smell of a fresh cup of joe does not have the same effect on insects and pests like snails and slugs.—
Joey Skladany,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
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Colorful flowers tower over guests, butterflies are as big as birds and snails and bumblebees crawl and buzz along the walls.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Noun
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For those caught unaware, the flies will also happily lay eggs in convenient openings such as the nose, mouth, ears, eyes, and even the bum, if available.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
9 June 2026
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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
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Dress them up with a blazer and loafers for a day in the office, or wear them with a simple tank top, like Aniston, for a sleek night out look.—
Emma Guillen,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
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These rich-looking, Rothy loafers are cushy, breathable, and a packable no-brainer for your carry-on.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deadbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadbeat. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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