1
as in harms
something that causes loss or pain
opponents of casino gambling claim that it is a detriment to society at large
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disadvantages
the negative result caused by something that creates difficulty for achieving success
the requirement that runners wear shoes for the race worked to his detriment since he was used to running barefoot
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 detriments
Research has also overwhelmingly indicated that lack of sleep can lead to numerous health detriments, including chronic disease, mental health deterioration and even behavioral disorders.
—
Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The three largest carriers all offer basic economy fares, with various benefits and detriments.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
But other worries abound, a la O’Leary’s remarks about extras, to say nothing of broader cultural detriments like brain-draining our college students.
—Andy Crump, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
These candid and thoughtful conversations about potential scenarios and solutions allow partners to get on the same page and build healthy habits for the long run that can ultimately avoid the detriments of a divorce.
—Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The three largest carriers all offer basic economy fares, with various benefits and detriments.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
But other worries abound, a la O’Leary’s remarks about extras, to say nothing of broader cultural detriments like brain-draining our college students.
—Andy Crump, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
These candid and thoughtful conversations about potential scenarios and solutions allow partners to get on the same page and build healthy habits for the long run that can ultimately avoid the detriments of a divorce.
—Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detriments
Noun
-
In addition to mitigating potential harms to communities and consumers, the legislature should also examine AI’s impact on public education.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Their choices can either reinforce harms or reduce them.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There are some other disadvantages of wind power.—
Bridget Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Here's what to know about the different snow removal tools, including the best uses and disadvantages for each.—
Catherine Messier,
The Providence Journal,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Court records indicate the case went to trial in 2017 and the jury found that while Page was negligent, that negligence was not the cause of damages suffered by Miller.—
Clark Kauffman,
Des Moines Register,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Texas Business Courts were created in 2024 to take on complex business litigation in cases seeking more than $5 million in damages.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Maye is unable to participate because of the Patriots advancing to the Super Bowl, while Herbert and Allen dealt with injuries at the end of their seasons.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Since mid-2025, federal immigration agents, including ICE officers, have shot at people at least 16 times during enforcement operations, resulting in multiple injuries and four confirmed deaths.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detriments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detriments. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
