as in detrimental
causing or capable of causing harm
DDT has been proven to be extremely harmful to the environment
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Recent Examples of harmful
Has Antibacterial Properties Lab studies suggest that compounds in onions may help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause infection.
—
Lindsey Desoto, Health, 8 Oct. 2025
The drug results in less production of the harmful protein huntingtin.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
In 2022-23, Arteta failed to adapt quickly enough to stop a harmful run of three successive draws in April.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Even where bans are in place, the chemicals produced as replacements can be just as harmful, if not more so, Trasande said.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harmful
Lindsey Desoto, Health, 8 Oct. 2025
The drug results in less production of the harmful protein huntingtin.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
In 2022-23, Arteta failed to adapt quickly enough to stop a harmful run of three successive draws in April.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Even where bans are in place, the chemicals produced as replacements can be just as harmful, if not more so, Trasande said.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harmful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmful
Adjective
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Now the passion and confidence are overflowing in a way that’s detrimental.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Even some Republicans began warning this summer that letting those tax credits lapse could be detrimental, with Republican pollsters Tony Fabrizio and Bob Ward issuing a memo that cautioned an extension of the credits could make a difference in next year's midterm election.—
Amanda Seitz,
NPR,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Moderate to major coastal flooding, strong to damaging winds, beach erosion, and very dangerous marine conditions are forecast.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
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The storm will drive major coastal flooding and beach erosion alongside the heavy rain and potentially damaging wind.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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So quick, so dangerous in the final third, and surely so motivated to revive his career in a World Cup year.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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But even hanging around the base camp can be dangerous, as hundreds of holiday makers were trapped when the area was hit in an unexpected blizzard over the weekend.—
Kaijing Xiao,
ABC News,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Consuming high amounts of tannins may lead to adverse health effects in humans and animals, such as severe liver and kidney damage.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
9 Oct. 2025
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Back in January, a study from World Weather Attribution found that, though the fires were likely influenced by a number of factors, climate change made the adverse weather conditions that fueled the flames 35% more likely.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The game didn’t start bad for the Giants.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Apparently, Grier forgot his own words, because the lines that the Dolphins have built are collectively their worst this decade, something evident in a crushing 27-24 loss to Carolina, a game in which Miami blew a 17-0 lead.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harmful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmful. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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