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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deadly
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Steps toward deployment of the international force could help to maintain momentum as tensions continue with deadly Israeli strikes against what the army has said were threats to its forces.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
In 2010, an attempt by Israel to stop another flotilla turned deadly after navy commandos boarded one boat, killing at least nine passengers and wounding 30 more.
—New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadly
Adjective
In January, there was a deadly midair collision near Reagan National Airport between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, killing 67 people.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Steps toward deployment of the international force could help to maintain momentum as tensions continue with deadly Israeli strikes against what the army has said were threats to its forces.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Adverb
The Milwaukee Brewers are deadly serious about their baseball this season.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
In 2010, an attempt by Israel to stop another flotilla turned deadly after navy commandos boarded one boat, killing at least nine passengers and wounding 30 more.
—New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
-
He’s sent to the deadly planet Genna, where every flora and fauna has evolved to be as lethal as possible, and given the seemingly impossible task of killing a fierce creature known as the Kalisk.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Nov. 2025
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How Nashville police got involved Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the department's specialized investigation unit saw a rise in violent crime two years ago, including non-lethal shootings and homicides connected to the MS-13 gang.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
But seemingly by sheer willpower, Meredith holds out her hand, which sends the liquid back in the opposite direction toward Britani.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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The actress dares to bare her briefs in this Ulla Johnson set featuring a shockingly sheer skirt teamed with a ombré effect sequin top.—
Brittany Talarico,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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There are guns, horses, ghosts, a primal struggle for survival in hostile terrain, family feuds and a steadily intensifying sense of mortal threat, as Old Porch’s ambition and psychopathy escalate the drama.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The Anaheim location, which opened to similar acclaim earlier this year, will soon be joined by an in-progress second brick-and-mortal location to open in Santa Ana.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
6 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Nineteenth-century reporters could be extremely casual with facts and guessed at the spelling of names.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Yet a drumbeat of Mamdani’s past statements about Israel did not prove politically fatal in New York City in 2025.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
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The special explores theories about why the thieves targeted specific displays, who orchestrated this brazen operation and which fatal flaws in their plan ultimately led to their capture.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, the princess thanked her mom for her unconditional support.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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Your love for the city, your team, and its players is unconditional.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Little Rock Police Department is investigating a shooting Sunday morning that left one person dead and another injured, the agency announced in a social media post.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
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Two suspects were arrested and a third was dead, Mexico’s security ministry said on Saturday.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Flares such as this one reveal the presence of incredibly large stars near the hearts of galaxies and shed light on the very structure of galaxies, Ford said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Over the last 10 years the floor on theatrical performance has dropped out, so distributors need to be incredibly careful about project selection and assumptions at acquisition stage.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadly. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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