DERELICT Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

derelict 1 of 2

adjective

ˈder-ə-ˌlikt

Definition of derelict

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention the guards were judged derelict in their duty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disused

left unoccupied or unused purchased an old derelict mansion that was rumored to be haunted

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

derelict

2 of 2

noun

as in bum

an idle worthless person a section of the city that seemed to be frequented mostly by derelicts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 derelict

Adjective

On the way back to the inn, in the fading yellow light, Tony gestured toward a modest wooden shed with a derelict fishing pier extending into the water. — Akash Kapur, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026 This is a neighborhood that has a lot of derelict and empty buildings. — Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026 When Ken Fulk and Kurt Wootton purchased what would become Durham Ranch—named after one of their dogs—the California wine country property was in disrepair, with a derelict 1940s ranch house and a handful of rickety outbuildings. — Mark David, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2026 The biggest difference is that the old Kop terrace, which stood derelict for years, has finally been demolished, with a new stand now under construction. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derelict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for derelict

Adjective

Parents could be accused of neglectful supervision if an underage child is left at home unattended.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
While not every nursing home fosters a neglectful or abusive environment, these conditions can thrive at facilities that are understaffed.

— Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 9 June 2026

Definition of neglectful

Adjective

The planes were carrying Israeli commandos to a disused airport-terminal building in Uganda, on the shores of Lake Victoria.

— Anne Neuberger, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
In December last year, fashion designer Matthieu Blazy debuted his first Métiers d’Art collection for Chanel against the backdrop of a vintage train, which pulled into a disused subway station in downtown Manhattan.

— Emmanuel Olunkwa, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026

Definition of disused

Noun

Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Designed with a plunging neckline, modest bum coverage, and compressive fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, the elegant silhouette offers rich-girl vacation energy that could easily double as a bodysuit with shorts.

— Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 20 June 2026

Definition of bum

Adjective

Once all but deserted, the town experienced a revival in 1965, when artists and musicians began to flock there after encouragement from the Yugoslav government.

— Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Security video reportedly shows Carman entering a condominium hand in hand with the teen, then later leaving alone, hauling a large suitcase toward a deserted area alongside the railway.

— Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of deserted

Noun

Gobert was chief among the beggars imploring his teammates for a shred of consistency on that end of the floor.

— Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2026
So disguised as a beggar, Odysseus shows up at his palace, and he is not treated very nicely by the suitors who have camped out in his house.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

Definition of beggar

Adjective

Slicking back your hair with a perfect part brings this lazy day look to the next level.

— Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 8 July 2026
Some claimed that Buddhists, like Asians generally, were passive and lazy, and that their religious rites reflected a dull, monotonous approach to life.

— Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 July 2026

Definition of lazy

Adjective

According to the gallery, the 25-minute film is set in a semi-abandoned hotel near Tokyo and reimagines the Greek myth of the goddess Persephone’s abduction by Hades.

— Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 16 June 2026
The city has been overwhelmed in recent years by an influx of abandoned and stray dogs and puppies.

— Alyce McFadden, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Mar. 2026

Definition of abandoned

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“Derelict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derelict. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of derelict

adjective

noun

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