KILLER Synonyms: 201 Similar and Opposite Words

killer 1 of 2

noun

ˈki-lər

Definition of killer

as in headache

a dull, unpleasant, or difficult piece of work weeding out that overgrown garden is going to be a killer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in murderer

a person who kills another person gunned down by hired killers

Synonyms & Similar Words

killer

2 of 2

adjective

as in lethal

likely to cause or capable of causing death killer viruses that claimed millions of lives

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as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort a killer exercise program guaranteed to whip you into shape

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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 killer

Noun

Kara Robinson Chamberlain was just 15 years old when she was abducted by a serial killer. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 The pools are worth the visit alone—killer views, and plenty of space to hop around to keep the scenery fresh. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 Longtime Yankee killer Alejandro Kirk went on to line an RBI double off Cole, giving Toronto the lead. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026 Following Manson’s death, a months-long court battle ensued over the rights to the serial killer’s remains. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for killer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for killer

Noun

AutoCamp is also a short walk to the main drag, sparing guests the headache of the limited parking around shops and restaurants.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Friday provided a brief but clear reminder of what kind of headache that could be for opposing defensive coordinators.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of headache

Adjective

Experts say the trend does not indicate the virus has become more lethal.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
So, while users might be safe inside their homes or vehicles, taking a few steps outside to wait for the sensors to register danger might be a potentially lethal sojourn.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of lethal

Adjective

The shortcomings of Usman and Dvalishvili, future Hall of Famers, only point to how difficult the historic mark was to reach.

— Mark Puleo, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
The Teamsters have been enthusiastically endorsing the bill specifically because, while 40-something employers would be difficult to collectively bargain against, DSP workers would be much easier to organize once within Amazon.

— Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of difficult

Noun

The Republican nominee also said the work agreements that allow many state employees to perform their jobs remotely need reform as well.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
In 2004, Norris took a job as an editorial manager of publications at the Joint Commission in Oakbrook Terrace.

— Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of job

Noun

Later, an assassin posing as River arrives at the home of David Cartwright (River’s grandfather) to kill him but is shot by David instead.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, Clive Owen and other assassins pursue them through the streets of Europe.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of assassin

Adjective

Many residents on Flores island in East Nusa Tenggara province spent the day mourning victims and waiting for aid to arrive to communities still cut off by the deadly quake.

— CBS News, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Reuters — The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 2,325 people, government data showed on Sunday, surpassing the toll from the 2018-2020 outbreak to become the deadliest in the country’s history.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of deadly

Adjective

The champion faced a challenging opponent, as Garry forced him to work hard for seven takedowns and inflicted some facial damage.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
The current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus, is unfolding in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026