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
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Recent Examples of hurtful
While the joke was always at the expense of an ignorant white character or a racist entertainment industry, context couldn’t outweigh the images’ hurtful impact.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 1 May 2025
Sensing his son's remorse for his hurtful words, dad was then able to have what seemed to be a helpful conversation with him about consent, accountability, and what to do when teasing crosses the line.
—Christian Dashiell, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for hurtful
Judy Berman, Time, 1 May 2025
Sensing his son's remorse for his hurtful words, dad was then able to have what seemed to be a helpful conversation with him about consent, accountability, and what to do when teasing crosses the line.
—Christian Dashiell, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for hurtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurtful
Adjective
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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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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
Adjective
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Their boyfriends, meanwhile, suffer the painful indignities of paper cutters, buzzsaws, and other sharp objects.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
23 May 2025
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Manu diving can hurt The researchers caution that the manu maneuver is not only difficult but can be risky and painful.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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The multitrillion-dollar GOP tax bill could have detrimental impacts on decarbonization efforts in the U.S., according to energy experts.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
23 May 2025
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President Donald Trump's economic agenda is having a detrimental impact on workplace mental health, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 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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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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Though Nicole reserves her harshest jabs for Jorgeous, the real heat is between Tina and Mistress.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
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Padilla had harsh comments for the president and the GOP in a statement Thursday after the House vote.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Cruise’s wing-walking sequence was somehow even more dangerous.—
Tyler Foggatt,
New Yorker,
24 May 2025
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Even ejecting from the aircraft can be dangerous and traumatic.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
24 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 27 May. 2025.
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