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 Like hurricanes, property taxes hit everyone, and the detrimental consequences for Black people have been most severe. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 In Pakistan, where cultural barriers and social stigma often keep conversations about breast health behind closed doors, despite the growing incidence of the disease, this silence can be detrimental. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025 But less robust methods can be detrimental. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 27 Aug. 2025 As with any part of your body, over-exfoliating can be detrimental to skin health. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detrimental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detrimental
Adjective
  • According to a five-pillar plan shared with CNBC, Cruz also aims to create federal standards for AI, prevent AI from being used in harmful ways such as scams, allow free speech and address ethical concerns.
    Emily Wilkins, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Nonfiction narratives that students both read and produce serve as counter-narratives to the oppressive and harmful tropes in media more generally about Black girls and girlhood.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump is never shy of responding to criticism that is damaging to him from any source.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Historical accounts include stories of big storms and damaging winds and surf, but the modern record begins in 1950.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Swift and Lively’s long friendship had been a distinct sub-plot in the IEWU legal battles, with tabloid fodder that the duo have fallen out over the controversy adverse Eras Tour performer getting tainted with the whole thing.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The potential adverse consequences to entrepreneurs when well-being is disregarded are well-documented.
    Samantha Dewalt, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Whatever happens in their final qualifier, against Argentina on Tuesday, La Tri will travel to the World Cup next summer as one of South America’s most dangerous teams.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • To dissidents, she has been seen as a hero putting her life on the line; to Modi’s supporters, as a dangerous subversive who is anti-national and anti-Hindu.
    Anderson Tepper, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But that’s actually a bad thing for a couple reasons.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • But worse than the poverty was the verbal and physical abuse from his father.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detrimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detrimental. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on detrimental

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