deadly 1 of 2

Definition of deadlynext
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deadly

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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
Medical specialists took to the airwaves to warn of the potentially deadly cocktail of drinking alcohol in extreme heat. ABC News, 22 June 2026 The single-engine turboprop plane that crashed in Butler, Missouri, soon after takeoff June 14 had just been brought in for skydiving flights 12 days before the deadly incident, The Star has learned. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026
Adverb
Like those albums, LP4 operates with its own sense of logic and time, sounding alternately playful and deadly serious, proudly complex and refreshingly pared back. Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 4 May 2026 In Langbein’s comic, but also deadly serious, imagination, this is no mere metaphor. Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
  • Haiti later won a true goal thanks to a lethal shot from Isidor.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
  • Now 34 years later, Florida is set to execute Spencer by lethal injection on Thursday, June 25.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Emmys’ producers passing up on even the slightest possibility of a Werner Herzog acceptance speech is sheer lunacy.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
  • For a few weeks, concerns about skyrocketing housing costs and gentrification, brought on by the city’s increasing popularity as a place to settle down, are taking a back seat to the sheer fun of international soccer.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The rest of the horses were in mortal terror of Dick.
    Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026
  • For Katherine LaNasa, her bond with ex-husband Dennis Hopper transcended the mortal plane.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
Adverb
  • Canada and Qatar drew their first matches, making this an extremely important opportunity for their hopes of advancing out of the group stage.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • All had extremely low omega-3 levels and at least one risk factor for dementia, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure or cholesterol.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The fatal attack came 16 days later.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Detectives identified James Goodman, 39, and Devinae Mitchell, 26, both of Hercules, as suspects in the fatal shooting, police said.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Human rights groups have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abu Safiya amid reports that he has been denied food and proper medical care and has been subjected to abuse.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • His philosophy centers on the concept of unconditional love.
    Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • After being struck by gunfire, the man was pronounced dead at a hospital.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Police are investigating after a man was found dead underwater Saturday afternoon in Lauderhill.
    Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Adverb
  • This butter-yellow tunic feels cheerful, airy, and incredibly chic for summer.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026
  • The producers are amazing, the writers are amazing, the director's amazing and Netflix has been nothing but incredibly supportive.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadly. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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