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deleterious

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of deleterious

causing or capable of causing harm

nicotine has long been recognized as a deleterious substance

Synonyms for deleterious

Words Related to deleterious

Near Antonyms for deleterious

secure,
sound

benignant

Antonyms for deleterious

Frequently Asked Questions About deleterious

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