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Definition of deadnext
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as in doomed
facing certain defeat, disaster, or death if we don't finish this project on time, we're dead

Synonyms & Similar Words

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dead

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adverb

dead

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noun

as in death
the state of being dead it's impossible to raise someone from the dead

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dead contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dead are deceased, defunct, departed, and late. While all these words mean "devoid of life," dead applies literally to what is deprived of vital force but is used figuratively of anything that has lost any attribute (such as energy, activity, radiance) suggesting life.

a dead, listless performance

How does the word deceased relate to other synonyms for dead?

Deceased, departed, and late apply to persons who have died recently. Deceased is the preferred term in legal use.

the estate of the deceased

When is it sensible to use defunct instead of dead?

The words defunct and dead are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defunct stresses cessation of active existence or operation.

a defunct television series

Where would departed be a reasonable alternative to dead?

The synonyms departed and dead are sometimes interchangeable, but departed is used usually as a euphemism.

our departed sister

When might late be a better fit than dead?

Although the words late and dead have much in common, late is used especially with reference to a person in a specific relation or status.

the company's late president

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 dead
Adjective
Epstein was found dead in his jail cell six months later. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026 He was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Adverb
The presser came on the heels of the firing of first-year defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after a porous season defensively that put the Cowboys dead-last in points allowed and 30th in total yards allowed across the NFL. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026 In the episode's opening scene, Alice keeled over on the organ keys, dead-eyed, with her tongue hanging out. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
As governments separately attempt to get to the bottom of both attacks, the citizens of Delhi and Islamabad are left cleaning up the debris and mourning their dead. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025 Four people were arrested in Conway on Tuesday in relation to a Saturday shooting that left a 17-year-old dead, a news release from Conway police says. Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead
Adjective
  • Israeli police officer Ran Gvili's remains were returned to Israel on Monday, marking the return of all hostages, both living and deceased.
    Rachel Wolf , Yonat Friling, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The living hostages, as well as the remains of four deceased, were handed over on the day the ceasefire took effect.
    Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Some folks who were moving a little slow, some folks wanted to dilute the Canadiana or the Big C Canadian of it.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • In practice, the process is slow, burdensome, and uncertain.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Plush cushioning on the insoles relieves tired feet during the day, making these comfortable enough to wear for hours.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Some people are probably tired of hearing my name.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The weight of Kelly’s control over Landfair’s life was absolute.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026
  • There have been countless examples of bizarre true crimes dramatized for television, but this is a particularly strong entry, anchored by a trio of great performances (Christina Hendricks makes an absolute meal out of her supporting role).
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Like, like my legs are going numb.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 7 Jan. 2026
  • On my knees, my hands zip-tied behind me, my fingers and feet quickly grew numb.
    Emily Wilder, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Declaring a species extinct requires strong evidence that the last individual has died.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Monk seals, once widespread on the Florida coast, are now extinct.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If 2026 is 2016 all over again, the spontaneous girl who’s been dormant in me for a decade couldn’t be more thrilled.
    Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Yet the magic of Bisate Reserve extends far beyond the misty mountains—from stunning nature trails on breathtaking vistas, to a soulful trek to the former research station of legendary conservationist Dian Fossey, and the chance to climb a dormant volcano.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Martinez and another man were charged in October with assault with a deadly weapon, accused of following the agents' vehicles and initiating the collision with Exum's SUV that led to the shooting on Chicago's south side.
    James Hill, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The January 29, 2025, collision was the deadliest commercial aviation accident in the United States in the last 16 years.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dead. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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