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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Hendryx also said the move would lead to more environmental destruction, more local air and water pollution from mining sites, more pollution from power plants, more harmful contributions to climate change emissions, and other negative impacts.—
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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The lack of structure could have harmful consequences for kids in the long run.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Overwatering mums is just as detrimental as underwatering.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
30 Sep. 2025
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Trump warned that major changes could occur — which could be detrimental to Democrats — if the government runs out of funding.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Concerns or reports of adverse effects can be directed to the FDA's Human Foods Program at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366).—
Matt Cannon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Such issues include severe weather impacts, adverse road conditions and trash buildups that pose a threat to human and/or wildlife health.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While many consider the mammal a nuisance for raiding garbage cans and damaging property, raccoons can also carry diseases, and they probably shouldn't be kept as housepets.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
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Additional details about the texts could also be more damaging to Robinson's defense, Lazaro said.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This neurological response evolved to keep our ancestors alive in genuinely dangerous situations.—
Anne-Laure Le Cunff,
Big Think,
29 Sep. 2025
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In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deleterious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deleterious. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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