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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective deadly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deadly are fatal, lethal, and mortal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When would fatal be a good substitute for deadly?

In some situations, the words fatal and deadly are roughly equivalent. However, fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

When is lethal a more appropriate choice than deadly?

While in some cases nearly identical to deadly, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

When could mortal be used to replace deadly?

The synonyms mortal and deadly are sometimes interchangeable, but mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable.

a mortal wound

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 deadly
Adjective
Listen to this article A woman driver who fatally struck a 57-year-old pedestrian in Brooklyn in January has been arrested— three months after the deadly crash, police said. Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025 At least eight people were killed in drone strikes across the country, a night after Russia launched its deadliest bombardment of Ukraine since the middle of last year. Todd Symons, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Dangerous thunderstorms can happen at any time of the year – some turned deadly last week in Tennessee. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 10 Feb. 2025 Austin 'deadly serious' about keeping condition secret The report made clear that Austin, who is known to value his personal privacy, insisted on keeping his illness a secret. Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
  • Here’s what the bone analysis revealed about the man and how the researchers determined what was behind the lethal bite markings.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
  • James Osgood, 55, was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. Thursday after receiving a lethal injection at a south Alabama prison, according to a statement from Gov. Kay Ivey.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, that sheer wash of pigment makes for a great first step in your makeup routine.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Apr. 2025
  • And another lot of shoppers swear by the iconic Clinique Black Honey lipstick, which provides a sheer wash of natural pigment that can be built to a rich berry hue.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The comic edge of Bochner’s work partly derives from this downward pull of bodily functions and mortal flesh.
    Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
  • Blackwood pulled: Turns out Mackenzie Blackwood is mortal after all.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Buy something fun and extremely nerdy Lots of places discount their Star Wars merch and/or release exclusives on May 4, and StarWars.com has a roundup of all the coolest stuff, from Chewbacca flannel shirts and Hoth mini backpacks to a Grogu ring and R2-D2 Clip Charm.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • This moisturizing sunscreen is extremely hydrating, thanks to familiar ingredients such as ectoin, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and red algae—and, depending on your skin type, can satisfy both a.m. moisturizer and sunscreen steps.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Across all suicide attempts not involving a firearm, only 4% result in death; but for firearm suicide, approximately 90% of attempts are fatal.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • That stretch proved to be fatal for the Heat, as the Cavaliers extended their lead to nine with 16.9 seconds to play and put the game away before Miami scored again following this rough late-game span.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Speaking on his arrival in London with the foreign and defence ministers, Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak said the talks would focus on ways to achieve a full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step to peace.
    Elizabeth Piper, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • At the same time, Becky Conner (Goranson) learned the true meaning of unconditional love after becoming a mom.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The two argued, the cellmate said, and when Williams woke up in the morning, Yarborough was dead.
    Gina Barton, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Jeffrey Hutchinson, 62, was pronounced dead by lethal injection at 8:15 p.m. at Florida State Prison approximately 15 minutes after the process began.
    Greg Norman , Elizabeth Pritchett, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
Adverb
  • Within the first 100 days of his second administration President Donald Trump has been incredibly busy, implementing major changes from enacting tariffs to targeting diversity initiatives.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.
    Katrina Kaufman, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadly. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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