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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hurtful
But returning to someone hurtful or manipulative can reinforce a harmful dynamic.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Begin apologizing profusely to her and your son for losing your temper and saying something so hurtful.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025
The Patriots would be much less likely to prioritize offense with the fourth pick in the draft and would make missing out on Travis Hunter less hurtful.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
That can include jokes about the comedians’ marriages—the kind of ragging that most people probably wouldn’t accept from their spouse in public, and that can be hurtful or sexist in the wrong context.
—Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hurtful
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Begin apologizing profusely to her and your son for losing your temper and saying something so hurtful.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025
The Patriots would be much less likely to prioritize offense with the fourth pick in the draft and would make missing out on Travis Hunter less hurtful.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
That can include jokes about the comedians’ marriages—the kind of ragging that most people probably wouldn’t accept from their spouse in public, and that can be hurtful or sexist in the wrong context.
—Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hurtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurtful
Adjective
-
Located in the stratosphere, the ozone layer acts like sunscreen, blocking potentially harmful ultraviolet energy from reaching our planet's surface.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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Even apps like YouTube Kids can expose kids to harmful content.—
Anna Halkidis,
Parents,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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The alternative — a world in which the United States and China no longer engage in trade — could be economically painful and destabilizing.—
Alan Rappeport,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
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Appearance: The condition starts as small, extremely painful blisters on your shins (and sometimes your arms).—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
9 May 2025
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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Scheifele’s emotional and inspirational decision to play mere hours after his father’s unexpected death — to play for his dad, to play because of his dad — ended in cruel fashion, with Scheifele helpless in the penalty box.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
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At first the program seems to be benign, but Hayakawa’s film steadily reveals how the policy thrives on the cruel capitalist tenet that people are disposable.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
17 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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Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with these storms.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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From adorable accents to cozy touches, drivers are increasingly looking for ways to make their commutes and grocery runs just a bit more enjoyable—perhaps to offset the harsh reality of gas prices (and everything else).—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2025
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The team opened the year with some question marks at third base and those questions have persisted after a harsh injury to Jazz Chisholm Jr. Chisholm landed on the injured list earlier this month after suffering a high-grade strain to his right oblique.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 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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Now, the consequences of not speaking up are far more dangerous than the consequences of speaking up.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
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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Health care providers and consumers who experience adverse reactions are encouraged to report them through the FDA's MedWatch program.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurtful. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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