Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of pernicious are baneful, deleterious, detrimental, and noxious. While all these words mean "exceedingly harmful," pernicious implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining.

the claim that pornography has a pernicious effect on society

When is baneful a more appropriate choice than pernicious?

The words baneful and pernicious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, baneful implies injury through poisoning or destroying.

the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity

When could deleterious be used to replace pernicious?

While in some cases nearly identical to pernicious, deleterious applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect.

a diet found to have deleterious effects

In what contexts can detrimental take the place of pernicious?

The meanings of detrimental and pernicious largely overlap; however, detrimental implies obvious harmfulness to something specified.

the detrimental effects of excessive drinking

When is it sensible to use noxious instead of pernicious?

While the synonyms noxious and pernicious are close in meaning, noxious applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind.

noxious chemical fumes

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 pernicious By being seen as seriously pursuing domestic reform, the Administration may be able to garner deals for the phasing out of particularly pernicious ACMDs. Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Air pollution of all forms can be detrimental to health, but the tiny particles in smoke are particularly pernicious. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025 Many scandals arise from the occasion of these activities, and adulteries and other outrageous crimes are committed as a clear offence to God, a very serious danger to the souls of those committing them, and a pernicious example to others. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025 One of the most pernicious forms of homegrown mass violence is school shootings. Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pernicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pernicious
Adjective
  • Hendryx also said the move would lead to more environmental destruction, more local air and water pollution from mining sites, more pollution from power plants, more harmful contributions to climate change emissions, and other negative impacts.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The lack of structure could have harmful consequences for kids in the long run.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So quick, so dangerous in the final third, and surely so motivated to revive his career in a World Cup year.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But even hanging around the base camp can be dangerous, as hundreds of holiday makers were trapped when the area was hit in an unexpected blizzard over the weekend.
    Kaijing Xiao, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Now the passion and confidence are overflowing in a way that’s detrimental.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Even some Republicans began warning this summer that letting those tax credits lapse could be detrimental, with Republican pollsters Tony Fabrizio and Bob Ward issuing a memo that cautioned an extension of the credits could make a difference in next year's midterm election.
    Amanda Seitz, NPR, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While many consider the mammal a nuisance for raiding garbage cans and damaging property, raccoons can also carry diseases, and they probably shouldn't be kept as housepets.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Additional details about the texts could also be more damaging to Robinson's defense, Lazaro said.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Concerns or reports of adverse effects can be directed to the FDA's Human Foods Program at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366).
    Matt Cannon, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Such issues include severe weather impacts, adverse road conditions and trash buildups that pose a threat to human and/or wildlife health.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pernicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pernicious. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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