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
Relevance
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
Lightweight glass, a reduction of sound-deadening materials, and the marginally lighter 6-speed manual gearbox help the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T Cabriolet weigh 3,505 pounds—the company's lightest manual open-roof variant.
—
Michael Harley, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
In times of intensifying economic inequality, when many of the jobs on offer are precarious, underpaid, and spiritually deadening, the prospect of becoming your own boss holds a lot of appeal.
—Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
How the pulse deadens at the prospect.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
The cabin should be quiet thanks to the sound-deadening acoustic front and side glass.
—Michael Harley, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deaden
Michael Harley, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
In times of intensifying economic inequality, when many of the jobs on offer are precarious, underpaid, and spiritually deadening, the prospect of becoming your own boss holds a lot of appeal.
—Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
How the pulse deadens at the prospect.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
The cabin should be quiet thanks to the sound-deadening acoustic front and side glass.
—Michael Harley, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deaden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deaden
Verb
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These weaknesses undermine its attractive valuation metrics and strong recent growth.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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History suggests the move may prove counterproductive, undermining concrete American interests in the name of rushing into a speculative new extractive frontier.—
Time,
Time,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Only a system designed with these principles can truly protect your organization, reduce losses and maintain trust with your honest customers.—
Marcin Nowak,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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All evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Since then, a series of shifts has reshaped the Middle East and weakened Iran and its proxies, the war in Gaza, Israel's decimation of the leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the collapse of the Syrian regime, and now Israel's surprise attack.—
/ CBS News,
CBS News,
15 June 2025
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Should the economy unexpectedly weaken, larger and sooner cuts are possible.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Verb
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The bright colors of spent flowers will dull or turn brown, indicating the bloom is past its prime and ready to remove.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
7 June 2025
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Even so, that dimmer wattage does little to dull a film that plays like cine-karaoke — and as any mic fiend can attest, the glory in those moments belongs not to the singer, but the song.—
Ben Croll,
IndieWire,
13 May 2025
Verb
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In the new workplace, don’t exhaust yourself to win over everyone.—
Naira Velumyan,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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If Southern California Edison equipment is found to have sparked the blaze on Jan. 7, as dozens of lawsuits allege, the damage claims could quickly exhaust the state’s $21-billion wildfire fund.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2025
Verb
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The idea that any American policy can effectively dampen Chinese ambition may be far-fetched.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
14 June 2025
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Some industry experts argue that the bureaucratic framework established by the Act risks dampening enthusiasm around the concept of data altruism itself.—
Nino Letteriello,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Why Culture Matters Toxic culture can drain performance, producing distrust, low creativity and high turnover.—
Chris Williams,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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But rather than engage in real fiscal discipline or rank order the needs of our communities, this budget leans on gimmicks — draining our Rainy Day Fund, borrowing billions from special funds, and relying on tax hikes that disproportionately harm small businesses and middle-class families.—
Diane Dixon,
Oc Register,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
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The perception that Iran’s military strength is significantly diminished will raise questions about the stability of its political system.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deaden. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
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