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
Shortly after Obama’s victory, his supporters pivoted to arguing that Americans were already suffering from the psychologically deleterious effect of too much prosperity.
—
Noah Rothman, National Review, 2 May 2025
Proponents argued that tariffs would shield American workers from the socially deleterious consequences of the industrial revolution that were already observable by the early 19th century in Europe, especially in Britain.
— Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Advertisement This response is helpful when there is a short-term challenge, but can be deleterious if chronically activated.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 26 June 2025
The most frightening conclusion, and the one that’s jumping out in the coverage, is that the deleterious effects of using ChatGPT didn’t go away.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deleterious
Noah Rothman, National Review, 2 May 2025
Proponents argued that tariffs would shield American workers from the socially deleterious consequences of the industrial revolution that were already observable by the early 19th century in Europe, especially in Britain.
— Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Advertisement This response is helpful when there is a short-term challenge, but can be deleterious if chronically activated.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 26 June 2025
The most frightening conclusion, and the one that’s jumping out in the coverage, is that the deleterious effects of using ChatGPT didn’t go away.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deleterious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deleterious
Adjective
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All of which are made from lightweight, dishwasher-safe plastic that’s free of harmful chemicals.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The Environmental Protection Agency’s endangerment finding for greenhouse gases, from 2009, says quite simply that these emissions endanger the public and qualify as harmful pollution; they can therefore be regulated under the Clean Air Act.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Air pollution of all forms can be detrimental to health, but the tiny particles in smoke are particularly pernicious.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
13 Aug. 2025
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Losing Love for any stretch of time would be detrimental to the Packers' season.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviors displayed in private.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Studies show that drinking prune juice can reduce constipation symptoms without triggering adverse side effects like gas and loose stools.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In a surprising aside given the damaging, lurid testimony in the trial about Combs’ private life, Agnifilo said one of Diddy’s future goals is to perform at one of New York’s most iconic venues again.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
7 Aug. 2025
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Even though plants need sun to grow, too much scorching sunshine can be damaging.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That said, the Revolution had promising spells of attacking play and even looked the more dangerous side in the first half.—
Julian Cardillo,
Boston Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
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In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deleterious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deleterious. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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