1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of hurtful
That's just hurtful and not honest.
—
Sean Mandell,
PEOPLE,
8 June 2026
Niall tells Ruben that his hurtful language over the years was a big part of his endless self-loathing.
—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
29 May 2026
All visitors who paid for entry were told that only kind words would be tolerated, and any hurtful words or curses would result in immediate expulsion from the tent.
—
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Traditionally, the style focuses on making jabs at someone’s appearance or identity, welcoming hurtful comments that punch down on someone when done without thoughtfulness.
—
Steven Vargas,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hurtful
Sean Mandell,
PEOPLE,
8 June 2026
Niall tells Ruben that his hurtful language over the years was a big part of his endless self-loathing.
—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
29 May 2026
All visitors who paid for entry were told that only kind words would be tolerated, and any hurtful words or curses would result in immediate expulsion from the tent.
—
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Traditionally, the style focuses on making jabs at someone’s appearance or identity, welcoming hurtful comments that punch down on someone when done without thoughtfulness.
—
Steven Vargas,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hurtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurtful
Adjective
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Telegram said its moderation systems remove millions of pieces of harmful content each month, including non-consensual pornography.
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Developing a negative self-view as a result of these harmful experiences during your formative years is not uncommon.
Adjective
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With Boston sealing the sweep on a game-winning single from Jarren Duran, a nightmarish, long weekend at Fenway Park came to a painful end for the Bombers.
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Remember, stretching should never be painful.
Adjective
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According to 24/7 Wall Street, the $60 billion all-stock AI company Anysphere acquisition, a $20 billon debt offering, and the future end of the lockup have been particularly detrimental to the maintenance of the share prices.
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There’s also the thought that onboarding a starting catcher midseason can be detrimental to a pitching staff, something that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has expressed in the past.
Adjective
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Swift moved on from one Brit to the next, quietly dating actor Joe Alwyn from 2017 to 2023, while the world spent back-to-back cruel summers without Taymerica.
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This is particularly gratifying given the absurd and cruel trolling the young actress received from the toxic corners of internet fandom leading up to the film’s release.
Adjective
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Nowhere is the pressure to develop a hook more damaging—or more physically consequential—than in youth athletics.
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Static’s award-winning Reusable Pop-On Manicures® give you a perfect, non-damaging manicure in seconds for a fraction of the salon cost.
Adjective
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Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
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Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
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Sometimes, the streets appear glittering; other times, seedy and dangerous.
Adjective
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In pharmacogenomics, understanding how genes affect drug efficacy helps doctors prescribe the right drug at the optimal dose while reducing adverse reactions.
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Johnson was undone by revelations of his conduct during Covid lockdowns and Truss by the adverse market reaction to her 2022 mini-Budget.
Cite this Entry
“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurtful. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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