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
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Recent Examples of deaden
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
Considerable resources were devoted to acoustics that deaden the train noise from the outside.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Schjerfbeck also liked the way Degas bleached his pastels to deaden their tone.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
Both nationally and in Minnesota , there has been a shift away from intelligent discussion of public policy to endless partisan warfare with a deadening impact on the public.
—Arne Carlson, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deaden
Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Considerable resources were devoted to acoustics that deaden the train noise from the outside.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Schjerfbeck also liked the way Degas bleached his pastels to deaden their tone.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
Both nationally and in Minnesota , there has been a shift away from intelligent discussion of public policy to endless partisan warfare with a deadening impact on the public.
—Arne Carlson, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deaden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deaden
Verb
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Treating speech like violence undermines a free society.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
1 June 2026
-
Spain’s success over the past five years has undermined many long-standing political-economic truisms.—
Rogé Karma,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Spirulina helps eliminate heavy metal build-up in the body, for instance; ginger and cumin reduce bloating; lecithin and gingko can improve memory.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Statistically, the drug reduced the risk of death by 60% compared with chemotherapy.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The Reserve Bank of Australia will likely focus on the strength of private demand before factoring in the conflict, alongside inflation risks stemming from weak productivity and rising unit labor costs, according to Stenner, who expects household consumption to weaken in the second quarter.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
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Critics counter that scarcity alone does not guarantee value if investor demand weakens.—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Concern has grown over on whether AI will become a catalyst that enriches humanity or a technological toxin that dulls human intelligence while wiping out millions of high-paying jobs.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
-
Freezing can dull the garlic and lemon flavors, Schwan says, so adding those ingredients back in helps the hummus taste fresh again.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
25 May 2026
Verb
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Jurors exhausted after emotional trial Jurors appeared emotionally exhausted after the verdict.—
Jennifer McLogan,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
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Without any changes, that retirement trust fund will be exhausted in 2032, according to the the Social Security Trustees.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Take a non-abrasive, lint-free cleaning cloth, dampen it with water, and wipe the vinegar residue off the outdoor smoker.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
4 June 2026
-
Wipe cabinet doors down weekly with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water to prevent grease from building up.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Surround the plants with well-draining soil.—
Blythe Copeland,
Martha Stewart,
4 June 2026
-
Without the ability to point its solar arrays toward the Sun, the tumbling spacecraft likely drained its batteries within hours.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
4 June 2026
Verb
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According to the alliance, the theme emphasizes the LGBTQ+ community's place in American society, calls for resistance against efforts to diminish their rights and visibility and encourages people to live openly, proudly and without apology.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
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Confidence Doesn’t Require an Apology Corporate culture often reinforces self-diminishing behavior.—
Kelly Ehlers,
Rolling Stone,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deaden. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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