Definition of noxiousnext
1
as in poisonous
bad for the well-being of the body mixing bleach and ammonia can cause noxious fumes that can seriously harm you

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word noxious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of noxious are baneful, deleterious, detrimental, and pernicious. While all these words mean "exceedingly harmful," noxious applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind.

noxious chemical fumes

When is it sensible to use baneful instead of noxious?

The words baneful and noxious can be used in similar contexts, but baneful implies injury through poisoning or destroying.

the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity

When would deleterious be a good substitute for noxious?

In some situations, the words deleterious and noxious are roughly equivalent. However, deleterious applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect.

a diet found to have deleterious effects

When could detrimental be used to replace noxious?

While the synonyms detrimental and noxious are close in meaning, detrimental implies obvious harmfulness to something specified.

the detrimental effects of excessive drinking

When might pernicious be a better fit than noxious?

The meanings of pernicious and noxious largely overlap; however, pernicious implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining.

the claim that pornography has a pernicious effect on society

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 noxious After DeSantis’ election, the relationship between Eikenberg and Van Lent metastasized, creating a noxious atmosphere for the science team. Michael Adno, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026 The most noxious PragerU videos often involve slavery. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026 Townships are primarily now responsible for poor relief, along with rural cemetery care and noxious weed removal, though several operate fire departments and parks. Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 26 Feb. 2026 The striking red foliage of Japanese bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica) has lured thousands of gardeners into planting this noxious grassy groundcover. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noxious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noxious
Adjective
  • Some are edible, some are medicinal, some are poisonous, all are beautiful.
    Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
  • This version is set in a seemingly poisonous, post-nuclear wasteland, filled with flaming tree trunks.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • When asked about Trump’s immigration policies — which have been controversial and are viewed by some Venezuelan residents as harmful to their community — Rodriguez first expressed support.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
  • As these processes unfold, the nuclear pore is also blocking things that don’t belong, such as harmful enzymes or misfolded RNAs.
    Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On the phone, Miranda admits she’s known for a week, but agrees that what Shinia did was disgusting.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The litter box was still disgusting.
    Jennifer Wolfgram, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of these electron mediators can also be toxic, limiting their practical use.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
  • What Jack doesn’t bet on is the re-emergence of Wendy’s toxic ex-boyfriend Chuck (Cory Michael Smith), a small-time pilot who isn’t made any less attractive for the fact that his life is in shambles.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That $67 ticket informed me that the airline was selling seats to fill planes and slashing staff and services to dangerous levels.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
  • But the industry’s modern threats, while not wholly unprecedented, are dangerous in ways that are genuinely alarming.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Anaheim Ducks’ captain took out the left leg of Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews with a knee-on-knee hit during the second period Thursday night, one of the uglier hits of the 2025-26 season.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • But as the film quietly signals, a society’s obscenities are not aberrations, only parts of an ugly chapter in a long history.
    Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The soil may contain pathogens, pesticides and other unhealthful things.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The change comes amid concerns about fireworks causing unhealthful air.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Honeycutt noted that the executive order came just days before the House Agriculture Committee was considering a five-year farm bill that would shield manufacturers from litigation related to adverse health impacts when the chemicals are used in accordance with federal law.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Short-term exposure by inhalation can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue respiratory irritation and other adverse health effects, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noxious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noxious. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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