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
These new rules, which aim to cut down on shark bycatch and regulate harmful fishing practices, represent a significant step forward.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Spoiled yogurt can harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella, which can lead to foodborne illness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Non-human primates may carry a variety of pathogens that are not harmful to them but that can cause disease in humans, including Marburg virus and HIV.
—Nadia Kounang, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
City may dip into reserves for first time in years
Do city leaders realize how harmful Balboa Park plan would be?
Up for a swim in the sky?
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for harmful
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Spoiled yogurt can harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella, which can lead to foodborne illness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Non-human primates may carry a variety of pathogens that are not harmful to them but that can cause disease in humans, including Marburg virus and HIV.
—Nadia Kounang, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
City may dip into reserves for first time in years
Do city leaders realize how harmful Balboa Park plan would be?
Up for a swim in the sky?
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for harmful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmful
Adjective
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However, losing him for OTAs, minicamp, training camp, and more could be detrimental to establishing his chemistry with the offense.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
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Pradeep Kumar Saxena, India’s former Indus Water Commissioner, told the Press Trust of India news agency in April that the country can stop sharing data with Pakistan after the pact’s suspension, which could be detrimental during monsoon season.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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Large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes are threatening states in the Midwest, with cities like Chicago, Minneapolis and Milwaukee in the crosshairs, forecasters said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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The storm system is forecast to shift southward on Saturday, putting parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas at risk for damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Maddison is responsible for dropping deep and pinging passes into dangerous areas, while Kulusevski and Bergvall are excellent ball-carriers.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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With all the drama unfolding at the Harrigan's, you could be forgiven for losing track of Harry's dangerous rescue mission.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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Mowing too little or too much can have adverse consequences for the health of the lawn and can also encourage unwanted plants to grow.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
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Additionally, the stock is perpetually vulnerable to adverse effects from unexpected increases in commodity costs or regulatory scrutiny concerning health claims associated with functional beverages.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Below, a few of my favorite books about bad mothering, from the benignly neglectful to the downright evil.—
Sarah Harman,
People.com,
11 May 2025
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Aid groups say the humanitarian crisis is worse than at any time in the 19-month war.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
Time,
11 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harmful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmful. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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