deaden

verb

ˈde-dᵊn How to pronounce deaden (audio)
Definition of deadennext
1
as in to undermine
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality an excess of detail deadens much of the mystery novel's suspense

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling a couple of aspirins deadened the headache

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 deaden Yet rather than revive Japan’s animal spirits, free money deadened them. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2026 Another suggestion was requiring special sound-deadening balls, currently available, that lower the decibel levels considerably. — John Ramos, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026 Without a hint of carpet or foam or anything else to deaden the sound, the stark white interior of the GT3 is a delightful acoustic overload. — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 16 Mar. 2026 The evening signaled that this is not the type of show that will deaden an artist behind glass vitrines. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deaden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deaden
  1. undermine
  2. reduce
  3. weaken
  4. dull
  5. exhaust
  6. dampen
  7. drain
  8. diminish
Verb
  • According to Axios, the US military has helped ferry crude through the Strait of Hormuz, driving overall levels of exports through the key waterway to about half of prewar levels and undermining Iranian efforts to control the crossing.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Constant record-setting ticket sales and TV viewership were undermined by growing resentment among everyone from athletes to fans over the players’ salaries; Clark’s rookie pay was just $76,000.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of undermine
Verb
  • Proponents say such a system can reduce response time in the face of gun violence or a medical emergency.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than having dog kennels lined up across from each other like in traditional shelters, the New Leash on Life design will have kennels on one side facing a hallway to reduce barking and stress.
    — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • But the White House cut its offices and weakened its ability to follow up with cases, as well as slashed funding to research on disparities that people of color face in getting diagnosed and attaining resources for disabilities.
    — Claire Sibonney, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Higher debt can also weaken economic growth by crowding out private investment.
    — Carolyn Bourdeaux, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • The sparkle in her eyes had dulled and her smile seemed forced.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Note that cold temperatures can dull the flavor and make the tomatoes slightly mealy, so try to use them within a few days when possible.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of dull
Verb
  • Travelers are exhausted by the friction of commercial travel.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The performances were much needed for a team trying to avoid exhausting its pitching staff by October.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhaust
Verb
  • Yields have climbed higher as softer inflation and labor data have dampened the picture for Fed rate hikes, which the market has already priced in.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Once you’re done, use a cloth dampened with water only to remove the soapy residue.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of dampen
Verb
  • Battery life, too, could be a concern for regular iPhone buyers who aren't used to how quickly powering two and a half screens can drain a cell.
    — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Silvia’s eyes are still open, but all the color has drained from his face.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of drain
Verb
  • The term refers to when tobacco companies in the 1990s were forced to pay billions of dollars for misleading the public about the safety and potential harms of their products, and subsequently saw their power and influence dramatically diminished.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The filter significantly diminishes elements commonly found in water that can be damaging, like chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, heavy metals, and more.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminish

Browse Nearby Words

deadbeats
deaden
dead-end
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Cite this Entry

“Deaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deaden. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of deaden for Spanish Speakers

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