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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The current United squad may lack attributes needed for Amorim’s preferred tactical system to thrive, but yesterday exhibited a lack of mental focus that undermined every major action.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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Despite his actions being grounded in self-defense and supported by evidence, Trevor McEuen was vilified and labeled in ways that undermined his presumption of innocence.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Another question has to do with the probiotics themselves: Can all probiotic supplements reduce negative feelings, or is there something specific about these nine bacteria included in the study?—
Simon Spichak,
Health,
16 May 2025
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In Sacramento, California, the weather service warned its office would have reduced staffing overnight.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Others may develop it after pregnancy, as the muscles and ligaments around the uterus can loosen or weaken.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
10 May 2025
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This weakens their ability to tailor experiences and erodes marketing efficiency.—
Amit Jhawar,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Over time, that disconnection can dull natural hunger cues, making skipped meals feel normal.—
Christine Michel Carter,
Parents,
20 May 2025
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Nothing is worse than getting partway into a craft project and getting all your pieces ready, only for your cheap, dulled scissors to destroy the edge of your fabric or paper.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
Verb
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To the elderly and those already exhausted by their efforts to get this far, this simply became an insurmountable barrier.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
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After exhausting the questions, Witt posed for a picture with the entire class.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2025
Verb
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Although demand for soundstages outstripped supply a few years ago, production has recently slowed and dampened the current need for them.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2025
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Your reluctance seeps into your writing and dampens your impact.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
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These clocks will, unfortunately, drain your batteries a little quicker but probably not fast enough to really take notice.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
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They’re emotionally drained, exhausted by the mental gymnastics that have such a profound effect on their franchise’s direction.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Give credit without diminishing your own contributions.—
Marvin Krislov,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deaden. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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