Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective defunct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of defunct are dead, deceased, departed, and late. While all these words mean "devoid of life," defunct stresses cessation of active existence or operation.

a defunct television series

When is dead a more appropriate choice than defunct?

The meanings of dead and defunct largely overlap; however, 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 defunct?

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 might departed be a better fit than defunct?

The words departed and defunct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, departed is used usually as a euphemism.

our departed sister

When would late be a good substitute for defunct?

While in some cases nearly identical to defunct, 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 defunct The two sides on Thursday memorialized an agreement to open exclusive negotiations that officials hope will lead to turning Cal Expo’s defunct horse racing track and grand stand into a new football facility located roughly three miles north of Sacramento State’s campus. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Murdoch gave evidence with his son during the inquiry about phone-hacking claims at the now-defunct News of the World. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025 Behind the desk are Reeve's Superman costume from the movie and the tunic from his figure at the defunct Movieland Wax Museum in California. Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, millions of borrowers enrolled in a new repayment plan — which was supposed to expedite loan forgiveness for many borrowers — under the Biden administration that is now defunct. Annie Nova, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defunct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defunct
Adjective
  • Wetlands need restoration to impound phosphorus that pours from extinct volcanoes and prevent the growth of deadly algae.
    Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
  • However, the findings offer a unique look into the microbiomes of extinct giant animals.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Wolf spiders prefer dark hiding places like piles of leaves or fallen logs.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Whether a storm, fallen tree, or power grid problem is to blame, having to toss food as a result is a pain for some and a significant financial burden for others.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This would not be the first NFL opening weekend to stare fans dead in the eye and lie to them.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • For instance, Captain John Boats out of Plymouth during a whale watch last August came across a dead basking shark that was being scavenged by five to six blue sharks.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ukraine is counting missiles while Washington counts down expired deadlines.
    Brett Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The wire transfer to seal the deal never went through, Spin CEO Jimmy Hutcheson says, a move that confounded the management team at the publisher as the window to close expired.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The man then shot himself and was found deceased next to Carroll, per police.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Rescue and medical teams were dispatched to the crash site and found a single engine aircraft with three surviving passengers and a 13-year-old girl who was confirmed deceased on scene.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By reprogramming ordinary cells—like skin fibroblasts—into stem cells, scientists hope to create eggs and sperm from individuals long gone.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • So many firsts, gone, charred to ash, just remnants of an area that once represented Black prosperity and joy.
    Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defunct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defunct. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on defunct

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