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
  • Prosecutors maintain the search was legal because it was conducted in conjunction with an arrest and officers were following Altoona police protocols that require them to check for dangerous items that could be harmful to them or the public.
    Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • Santos is charged with distributing food with a harmful substance, according to court records obtained by the Telegram & Gazette, part of the USA TODAY Network.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • However, pruning mistakes can be very detrimental, introducing shock or infection to an otherwise thriving shrub, tree, or flower.
    Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 19 May 2026
  • And then there is the part of the leverage exercise that so many times before has proven detrimental to the Heat — the waiting game.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Post-Adverse Outcome Disclosure Obligations The replacement bill also creates disclosure obligations after an adverse outcome.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • Prolonged stress can have adverse consequences, especially for pregnant mothers, children and critically ill patients.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Storms could be strong and organized, bringing all severe weather threats — tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds — and downpours will also be possible, the Weather Service said.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • Why Migrations Generate Headaches One of the most damaging aspects of migration happens in the human aspect of the business.
    Thomas Berndorfer, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • But pretty quickly, Wahl said that both the mother and police realized something more dangerous could be brewing.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 19 May 2026
  • Sheets touched on the other key to his success — and any dangerous hitter’s success — in the above quote.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deleterious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deleterious. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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