Definition of detrimentalnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word detrimental different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of detrimental are baneful, deleterious, noxious, and pernicious. While all these words mean "exceedingly harmful," detrimental implies obvious harmfulness to something specified.

the detrimental effects of excessive drinking

When would baneful be a good substitute for detrimental?

While the synonyms baneful and detrimental are close in meaning, baneful implies injury through poisoning or destroying.

the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity

Where would deleterious be a reasonable alternative to detrimental?

The meanings of deleterious and detrimental largely overlap; however, deleterious applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect.

a diet found to have deleterious effects

When can noxious be used instead of detrimental?

The synonyms noxious and detrimental are sometimes interchangeable, but noxious applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind.

noxious chemical fumes

When could pernicious be used to replace detrimental?

While in some cases nearly identical to detrimental, pernicious implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining.

the claim that pornography has a pernicious effect on society

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 detrimental But pulling them out of Europe would actually be detrimental to Americans. CBS News, 21 June 2026 Raccoons living in your home can be detrimental in a variety of ways, and calling a professional to help remove them is a good idea. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026 Conferences have membership contracts, revenue leverage, championship access and conduct-detrimental authority. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026 The reason is because time confetti can be detrimental to your mental health, physical health, as well as your relationship with your children. Parents, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detrimental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detrimental
Adjective
  • The plasma process also produced very little smoke or tar, reducing harmful secondary pollutants typically associated with biomass conversion and making the technology a cleaner way to produce renewable solid fuel.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
  • At the same time, its flowers attract beneficial predatory insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, that naturally hunt harmful garden pests.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Each specimen was weighed and put in the same-sized containers filled with superworm larvae to determine the optimal ratio of larvae to specimen for thorough cleaning without damaging bones.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
  • And such a gap can be far more damaging than any technology shortfall.
    Eugenia Mykuliak, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • In pharmacogenomics, understanding how genes affect drug efficacy helps doctors prescribe the right drug at the optimal dose while reducing adverse reactions.
    Sujay Jadhav, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Johnson was undone by revelations of his conduct during Covid lockdowns and Truss by the adverse market reaction to her 2022 mini-Budget.
    Ian King, CNBC, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Sometimes, the streets appear glittering; other times, seedy and dangerous.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • In two randomized trials conducted by Stanford economist Nick Bloom, for example, workers reported improved mental health, not worse.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Heavy rain was bad enough, but lightning in the area is, obviously, nothing to be trifled with.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detrimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detrimental. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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