as in harmful
causing or capable of causing harm
nicotine has long been recognized as a deleterious substance
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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While traditional failures to moderate third-party posts are usually protected, design choices, like building chatbots that produce harmful content, could expose companies to liability.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
8 Oct. 2025
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That means millions of young people remain vulnerable to a practice the nation’s leading experts have long rejected as both harmful and scientifically baseless.—
Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Now the passion and confidence are overflowing in a way that’s detrimental.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Even some Republicans began warning this summer that letting those tax credits lapse could be detrimental, with Republican pollsters Tony Fabrizio and Bob Ward issuing a memo that cautioned an extension of the credits could make a difference in next year's midterm election.—
Amanda Seitz,
NPR,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Consuming high amounts of tannins may lead to adverse health effects in humans and animals, such as severe liver and kidney damage.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
9 Oct. 2025
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Back in January, a study from World Weather Attribution found that, though the fires were likely influenced by a number of factors, climate change made the adverse weather conditions that fueled the flames 35% more likely.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Moderate to major coastal flooding, strong to damaging winds, beach erosion, and very dangerous marine conditions are forecast.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
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The storm will drive major coastal flooding and beach erosion alongside the heavy rain and potentially damaging wind.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Hat tips go to left tackle Jaylon Moore — who stepped in for Josh Simmons at the last minute, against one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league — and, of course, Kelce.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 Oct. 2025
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Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deleterious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deleterious. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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