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
-
The slugs even seemed to like them.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 May 2026
-
However, borax will not work on pests that aren't interested in eating it, such as termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, flying insects above ground level, or any number of other outdoor pests, such as slugs and snails.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
The Crow Wing County sheriff's drone team was also able to launch drones in order to better map the flames from the air.—
Aki Nace,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
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The company’s core advantage is advanced AI software that can simulate and validate autonomous systems for cars, trucks, robots, drones, tactical aircraft and more, with less cost and risk.—
Rebecca Fannin,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
If CosRx can convince people to willingly slather snail mucin on their faces, trusting the brand with hair care is a pretty easy next step.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
20 May 2026
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However, borax will not work on pests that aren't interested in eating it, such as termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, flying insects above ground level, or any number of other outdoor pests, such as slugs and snails.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Kentucky, vote the bum out on Tuesday.—
Quinn Scanlan,
ABC News,
17 May 2026
-
A lot of these babies have bum agents that lowball them.—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
13 May 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
-
There are few shoes as polished and practical as timeless loafers — something Meghan Markle knows well.—
Aaron Royce,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
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Glove Pumps After several seasons of loafers, ballet flats and even sneakers dominating the office, the pump is back in full force.—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deadbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadbeat. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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