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 institute and federal ocean officials say those appendages, called cerata, hold the stinging cells in a concentrated form, making the slug’s sting especially potent.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
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Among its many benefits, diatomaceous earth (DE) can control pests as varied as earwigs, caterpillars, ants and aphids, and keep slugs and snails out of garden beds, too.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Human Rights Watch said its researchers analyzed seven videos uploaded to social media or shared directly with the group that show armed quadcopter drones in action and geolocated four of them to Port-au-Prince.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
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Despite the attacks, Iranian leaders have vowed to continue fighting and have launched drones and missiles at Israel as well as US bases and energy infrastructure in nearby countries.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Diatomaceous earth is effective against most pests with exoskeletons, as well as slugs and snails.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
10 Mar. 2026
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The infection is often spread by people either eating undercooked snails or slugs, or through people eating raw produce that has whole or parts of infected snails or slugs, according to the report.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Trying to warm up your bum from the cold was said to produce heavier periods.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Mar. 2026
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For ski bums looking to hit the Colorado slopes without slogging through I-70 traffic, there’s no better destination than Winter Park.—
Sarah Cahalan,
Travel + Leisure,
7 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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Vibrant separates—like a chartreuse skirt and bright blue top—are grounded by a classic trench and loafers for a dynamic, wearable look.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
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With granny shorts, these loafers create a sophisticated yet relaxed look that’s ideal for those who love a classic aesthetic with a trendy twist.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deadbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadbeat. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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