HURTFUL Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

hurtful

adjective

ˈhərt-fəl

Definition of hurtful

as in harmful

causing or capable of causing harm the most hurtful thing you can do to this silk dress is put it in the dryer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in painful

hard to accept or bear especially emotionally her ex-husband said hurtful things that she could never forgive

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 hurtful To have people tearing her down and making hurtful and untrue claims is bad enough but to drag her children into it is just beyond the pale. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 14 July 2026 This was extremely hurtful to me. — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 20 June 2026 But the most heartbreaking scenes are of Bonnie, who is distraught and tearful after receiving hurtful messages online. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Although Sarah reportedly intended references such as borrowing Diana's shoes to be humorous, royal commentators said Diana found the passage deeply hurtful. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurtful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurtful

Adjective

Unresolved issues run the gamut, from antitrust protections to chip export controls to whether existing consumer laws are sufficient to protect people from harmful AI.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026
For example, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed multiple AI bills into law, including Adam's Law, which requires AI chatbot makers to protect minors from harmful interactions.

— Lora Kolodny,Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of harmful

Adjective

Bringing together the private shattering of a home with the epic tale of homecoming offers Gluck a distanced, often ironic, stance on her life’s most painful moments.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Veterinarians diagnosed Cheeto with feline idiopathic cystitis, which causes a painful inflammation of the bladder.

— Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of painful

Adjective

Being a tenant may limit priority over game scheduling too, which could be detrimental for potential media rights negotiations.

— Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
The wet-dry cycle that works well for other houseplants is detrimental to the Venus flytrap.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of detrimental

Adjective

Like her, Americans are also so tired of being screwed by an administration that’s not only grossly incompetent and cruel but corrupt as well.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Rather than heroic, these costly and horribly uncertain stunts come across callous and cruel.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of cruel

Adjective

Analysts who have followed Saab’s relationship with Maduro have said his testimony could be particularly damaging if prosecutors call him as a witness at Maduro’s narcoterrorism trial in New York.

— Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
The storms carry a limited damaging wind risk of up to 60 mph, officials said.

— Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of damaging

Adjective

Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon, as well as harsh chemicals and abrasive tools, to protect the glaze.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
The frustration within the Democratic caucus immediately prompted some calls for harsh consequences.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

The most dangerous place on the field in the third quarter was your own 38 yard line!

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
ShotSpotter offers targeted detection of a dangerous event versus technology like Flock's indiscriminate collection of innocent people's movements.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of dangerous

Adjective

The Ukraine international forward last played a competitive match for Chelsea in November 2024, and has been suspended under anti-doping rules after an adverse finding in a urine sample.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Instead, she was given a spate of different medications over a matter of months to treat her symptoms or the adverse reactions to some of the medications.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of adverse

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hurt (for)

hurtful

hurtfully

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Style

“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurtful. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hurtful

adjective

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