Definition of deleteriousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deleterious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of deleterious are baneful, detrimental, noxious, and pernicious. While all these words mean "exceedingly harmful," deleterious applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect.

a diet found to have deleterious effects

When is baneful a more appropriate choice than deleterious?

The synonyms baneful and deleterious are sometimes interchangeable, but baneful implies injury through poisoning or destroying.

the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity

When would detrimental be a good substitute for deleterious?

The words detrimental and deleterious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detrimental implies obvious harmfulness to something specified.

the detrimental effects of excessive drinking

When can noxious be used instead of deleterious?

The meanings of noxious and deleterious largely overlap; however, noxious applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind.

noxious chemical fumes

Where would pernicious be a reasonable alternative to deleterious?

The words pernicious and deleterious can be used in similar contexts, but pernicious implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining.

the claim that pornography has a pernicious effect on society

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 deleterious In July of last year Steyer sent out a tweet criticizing rent control for its deleterious and counterproductive effects. Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026 Conversely, cannabis appears to be especially deleterious to the cognitive and psychological well-being of young people. Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2026 Studies have shown that routine use of AI has a deleterious impact on cognition, creativity, recall, and critical thinking. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026 Virtually no one’s immune from their deleterious effects, since they’re found in a wide variety of everyday products. Editorial, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deleterious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deleterious
Adjective
  • Platforms will be required to introduce safety-by-design features, including protections against manipulative design that encourages compulsive use, and take action against underage accounts and harmful content.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 June 2026
  • In addition to being harmful to humans, certain types of mushrooms can be poisonous to pets if consumed.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • However, be careful when choosing which plants to prune, as getting the timing wrong can be detrimental.
    Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
  • In this instance, using the AI advice could be detrimental to their livelihood.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Vaccines can and have caused serious adverse effects (but not autism) in specific populations.
    Diana Gitig, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2026
  • For example, in a March 5 warning letter, the FDA accused drugmaker Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy and Ozempic, of failing to report some adverse events to the federal government, including suicidal ideation and death.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The suspects were arrested and have been charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office with damaging phone, electrical or utility lines, felony vandalism and grand theft.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
  • The fires blazed near Interstate 84 between mileposts 13 and 17 and between Southeast 8th and 9th avenues off of Sand Hollow Road, according to a news release, after a powerful storm system with high, damaging winds blew through the Treasure Valley.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Brith had shut her eyes, finding that the sparks were still living on the inside of the lids, vivid in their dangerous dark.
    Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
  • Carpenter says the disturbing encounters left her fearful for her safety and that of relatives living with her, as police label the suspect’s fixation irrational and increasingly dangerous.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deleterious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deleterious. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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