1
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
the doctors were alarmed about the outbreak of the deadly new virus
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions
the deadly tedium of waiting for the fog to lift
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mortal
of, relating to, or suggestive of death
a deadly pallor spread across her face as the tragic news gradually sank in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in extremely
to a great degree
I'm deadly serious about making an offer on the house
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deadly
Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Western provinces—including Ilam, Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Hamedan—have seen the deadliest clashes so far, according to Kurdish-Iranian rights group Hengaw, which says those regions account for a majority of fatalities.
—Connor Greene, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
Details of how the incident turned deadly later in the night have not been released.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadly
Adjective
In 2020, the utility pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter after a transmission-line failure caused the deadly 2018 Camp Fire that razed Paradise in Butte County.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Western provinces—including Ilam, Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Hamedan—have seen the deadliest clashes so far, according to Kurdish-Iranian rights group Hengaw, which says those regions account for a majority of fatalities.
—Connor Greene, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
Adverb
People protesting deteriorating economic conditions in Iran took to the streets across several of the country’s provinces over the past day, with some demonstrations turning deadly after clashes with police.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
Details of how the incident turned deadly later in the night have not been released.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
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The federal officer with the less than lethal weapon can be seen pointing it at Rummler.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
15 Jan. 2026
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Almost always in these cases, an officer facing down a moving two-ton conveyance will have a fraction of a second to decide if a lethal threat exists.—
Laurence Miller,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Rhode founder stunned in a sheer black mesh teddy with a G-string thong design and an ab-baring cutout made out of straps.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
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But the department has argued the sheer volume of documents that need to be found, uploaded, reviewed, redacted and published has forced it to instead release the files online on a rolling basis, with a series of enormous document dumps over the course of several days in mid-December.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In Greek mythology, Adonis was a handsome mortal man who fell in love with Aphrodite.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Woden was the Germanic version of the Norse god Odin, who is probably laughing at our mortal game of linguistic telephone.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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They’re designed with roomy interiors and tons of compartments that make organizing your packing essentials extremely easy.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
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Sortke 18x18-Inch Set of 2 Throw Pillow Covers This two-pack of throw pillow covers is extremely discounted right now.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Several hundred protesters gathered at First Ward Park on Thursday night in response to Wednesday’s fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
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John Mulaney has postponed three upcoming shows in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.—
Amy McCarthy,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Hour of the Wolf is a far-ranging memoir about motherhood, art, family, and the way that a dog’s unconditional love can offer a rare opportunity for healing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
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The state recently launched a project providing unconditional monthly checks — averaging $500 — to families who have abused or neglected their children.—
Sarah A. Font,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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George Rose / Getty Images The boy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.—
Austen Erblat,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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Shanahan reaches deep into the playbook The 49ers seemed dead in the water after losing George Kittle to an Achilles injury in the first half.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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The pork was incredibly tender and juicy, with a bold but balanced mix of spices that didn’t overpower each other.—
Alexa Stone
January 9,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
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These kind of creative environments are so incredibly inspiring to me.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadly. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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