1
as in extinct
no longer existing
a stack of brochures and a few faded placards are all that remain of the defunct organization
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fallen
no longer living
a defunct species that we know only through fossil remains
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defunct
On Wednesday, Anthropic announced a new feature that expands its Artifacts document management system into the basis of a personal AI app gallery resembling something from the Flash game era of the early 2000s—though these apps run on modern web code rather than Adobe's defunct plugin.
—
ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
And locals are not pleased about the defunct sand mine with a pending application to create a 50-lot commercial center.
—Stephanie Krikorian, Curbed, 23 June 2025
Boelter’s LinkedIn page lists a bachelor’s degree in international relations from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree and doctorate of education from Cardinal Stritch University, a defunct Catholic institution in Milwaukee.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 22 June 2025
One is even housed in a former Old County Buffet, the now defunct all-you-can-eat restaurant chain which closed its last Illinois restaurant five years ago.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for defunct
ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
And locals are not pleased about the defunct sand mine with a pending application to create a 50-lot commercial center.
—Stephanie Krikorian, Curbed, 23 June 2025
Boelter’s LinkedIn page lists a bachelor’s degree in international relations from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree and doctorate of education from Cardinal Stritch University, a defunct Catholic institution in Milwaukee.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 22 June 2025
One is even housed in a former Old County Buffet, the now defunct all-you-can-eat restaurant chain which closed its last Illinois restaurant five years ago.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for defunct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defunct
Adjective
-
In the business world, there is extensive literature warning against this—companies that refuse to adapt to market needs go extinct.—
Pablo Listingart,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
What could possibly go wrong on such a slippery slope, where nothing remains sacred, tradition is going extinct and everything left is tacky and transactional?—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Last year, a 19-year-old female employee at a Walmart in Canada was found dead inside a walk-in oven at the store's bakery department.—
Nicole Brown Chau,
CBS News,
30 June 2025
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Topline Authorities reportedly identified the man suspected of killing two firefighters and injuring another in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho—after he was found dead next to the sniper rifle believed to be used to ambush firefighters responding to a wildfire.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Tasks like taking out the trash, tossing expired items from the fridge and pantry, making the bed, and wiping down surfaces often will help maintain a clean house.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
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The company’s claim that Lightfoot’s pandemic decree cost it millions comes despite the fact a Tribune investigation found the city issued more than 35,000 parking tickets during the time the mayor told motorists they wouldn’t get dinged for parking at expired meters.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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The now deceased suspect is believed to have started the fire intentionally to draw-in and target responding firefighters, officials have said.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
1 July 2025
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Late Sunday, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said SWAT teams had located a deceased man with a firearm near the shooting scene at Canfield Mountain, KXLY-TV reported.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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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
-
The original pioneers were mostly busy making non-hyperpop or gone: SOPHIE tragically died in 2021; 100 gecs spent years toiling to make their zany stadium-rock second album.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
3 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Defunct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defunct. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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