as in harmful
causing or capable of causing harm
nicotine has long been recognized as a deleterious substance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deleterious
The Fourth Estate is under attack on many fronts, from the deleterious effects of social media to conspiracy-theory-mongers on the left and right.
—
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
Once considered a disease largely confined to the developed world, the deleterious effects of dementia are now apparent throughout the globe, as life expectancy increases in many formerly developing countries.
—Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2025
The city’s efforts have deleterious practical effects, too.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
The state would wield a deleterious influence on public education, with a rounded civic understanding of Israeli democracy replaced by a more baldly nationalist and illiberal one.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deleterious
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
Once considered a disease largely confined to the developed world, the deleterious effects of dementia are now apparent throughout the globe, as life expectancy increases in many formerly developing countries.
—Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2025
The city’s efforts have deleterious practical effects, too.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
The state would wield a deleterious influence on public education, with a rounded civic understanding of Israeli democracy replaced by a more baldly nationalist and illiberal one.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deleterious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deleterious
Adjective
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Specialty cleaners made for glass cooktops don’t contain harmful ingredients like ammonia.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
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Small settings changes can make a big difference in reducing exposure to harmful or suggestive content.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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And since there aren’t special teams in basketball, being bad at both is pretty detrimental.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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Harsh Water Exposure Pool water and ocean water can both be detrimental to keeping your color vibrant.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Because obesity will drive higher blood pressure, higher blood sugar, more adverse cholesterol levels—all sorts of things—that sort of becomes a perfect storm.—
Veronique Greenwood,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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These weather conditions will result in elevated fire potential and a threat of adverse fire behavior.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Seven lawsuits filed this week in California allege that ordinary users seeking school help, spiritual reassurance, or simple conversation were instead drawn into psychologically damaging exchanges that ultimately preceded several suicides.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
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Vietnam is preparing for damaging winds, flooding, heavy rain and storm surges in its central provinces including Danang, Quang Ngai and Dak Lak.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Chicago is facing a dangerous lake-effect snow event early Monday morning.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
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Two decades ago, when the NFL's base offense consisted of two backs with a blocking tight end and only two wide receivers, an elite cornerback could often take away half of the dangerous receiving options.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deleterious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deleterious. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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