DEADBEAT Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

deadbeat

noun

ˈded-ˌbēt

Definition of deadbeat

as in slug

a lazy person he snapped instructions to the deadbeats who were standing around watching the work pile up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deadbeat Andres was born in Cuba to a deadbeat alcoholic who beat him, according to his attorneys. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025 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 As half-owner of that house, you are entitled to live in it without being berated by a deadbeat. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2025 The world’s biggest deadbeat has passed the begging bowl again. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deadbeat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadbeat

Noun

Trim back the dead foliage in fall to improve your garden’s appearance and prevent slug eggs from overwintering.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2026
Families can learn about slugs, spiders, vultures and more during Creepy Critters Month at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, a park district news release said.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of slug

Noun

The bombers were moved abruptly in response to multiple streams of intelligence warnings, including a threat that the aircraft could be hit in a swarm drone attack similar to one Ukraine launched against Russia in June 2025.

— Steve Hendrix, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Currently, however, AI is primarily being used for ICE and other surveillance, drone warfare targeting and potential dynamic pricing at places like McDonald’s.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of drone

Noun

The inflatable horses, butterflies, snails and other creatures were made by the New York artist and designer Katie Stout.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Aquarium officials received some 500 marine animals from that operation on June 19, taking in an array of fish, sharks, clams, shrimp, prawns and tiny snails.

— John Donegan LONG BEACH POST, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of snail

Noun

Carl Sandburg’s 1927 American Songbag featured a whole section of hobo songs presenting the bum as a beau ideal.

— Caroline Fraser, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
The silhouette was heavily elongated, with three-quarter-length jackets and argyle knitwear that covered the bum.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of bum

Browse Nearby Words

dead

deadbeat

deadbeats

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Style

“Deadbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadbeat. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deadbeat

noun

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