harm 1 of 2

harm

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word harm distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of harm are damage, hurt, impair, injure, and mar. While all these words mean "to affect injuriously," harm often stresses the inflicting of pain, suffering, or loss.

careful not to harm the animals

When might damage be a better fit than harm?

While the synonyms damage and harm are close in meaning, damage suggests injury that lowers value or impairs usefulness.

a table damaged in shipping

When is it sensible to use hurt instead of harm?

The words hurt and harm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hurt implies inflicting a wound to the body or to the feelings.

hurt by their callous remarks

When would impair be a good substitute for harm?

The meanings of impair and harm largely overlap; however, impair suggests a making less complete or efficient by deterioration or diminution.

years of smoking had impaired his health

In what contexts can injure take the place of harm?

The words injure and harm can be used in similar contexts, but injure implies the inflicting of anything detrimental to one's looks, comfort, health, or success.

badly injured in an accident

When can mar be used instead of harm?

While in some cases nearly identical to harm, mar applies to injury that spoils perfection (as of a surface) or causes disfigurement.

the text is marred by many typos

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 harm
Noun
However, conservation organizations, Republican lawmakers and residents argued that the plan risked environmental harm without solving affordability concerns. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 Earlier this month, Kennedy dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, then replaced them with a group that includes several allies who have spread misinformation about the harms of vaccines. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 28 June 2025
Verb
Just like surrounding them with the right companion plants can help with soil enrichment and management of pests and diseases, some plants can harm their growth. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 Glossy or brightly colored papers are often printed with inks that can harm your soil and plants. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for harm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harm
Noun
  • Made with a titanium barrel, these curling irons heat the hair from within, ensuring minimal damage while providing a long-lasting hold.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • To avoid damage to brand reputation, planners must treat cybersecurity with the same regard as safety for an in-person setting.
    Michele Dobnikar, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Clark has been injured and has struggled lately, going just 13-of-47 from three-point territory in her last three games and missing six of the Indiana Fever's 16 games this season.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • At least 968 civilians were killed and over 4,800 injured.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • They were marred by injuries throughout the season, having entered the season with somewhat high expectations.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Once a peaceful area for walking and cycling, it’s now marred by dilapidated vehicles, trash and environmental hazards — posing serious health and safety concerns.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Samir had been shot in the back, and died of his injuries, Police Chief Todd Bettison said.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • Since going down with Covid-19 during Women’s Euro 2022, a succession of injuries have limited Miedema’s international appearances.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • This would hurt even the most polished comedy or the most clockwork heist movie, let alone one that hopes to be both.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 26 June 2025
  • Ohtani has provided a critical bat at the top of the Dodgers' order and there was some concern that adding a pitching workload might hurt his offensive production.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Six people were wounded in Cherkasy, including a child, regional Gov. Ihor Taburets said.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
  • Two people were wounded in another Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Bryansk in western Russia, regional Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said Sunday morning, adding that seven more Ukrainian drones had been shot down over the region.
    Volodymyr Yurchuk, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Harm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harm. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on harm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!