as in harmful
causing or capable of causing harm
the pernicious effects of illegal narcotics on society
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Recent Examples of pernicious
Perhaps the most pernicious aspect of calls for affirming art is their reduction of art to subject matter.
—
Garth Greenwell, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
That pernicious lack of knowledge, sadly, persists to this day.
—Sahar Mustafah
august 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025
One of the most persistent, pernicious myths in politics is the idea that parties out of power have leaders anymore.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pernicious
Garth Greenwell, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
That pernicious lack of knowledge, sadly, persists to this day.
—Sahar Mustafah
august 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025
One of the most persistent, pernicious myths in politics is the idea that parties out of power have leaders anymore.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pernicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pernicious
Adjective
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Specialty cleaners made for glass cooktops don’t contain harmful ingredients like ammonia.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
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Small settings changes can make a big difference in reducing exposure to harmful or suggestive content.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Chicago is facing a dangerous lake-effect snow event early Monday morning.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
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Two decades ago, when the NFL's base offense consisted of two backs with a blocking tight end and only two wide receivers, an elite cornerback could often take away half of the dangerous receiving options.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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So, a pause from the action after that win didn’t seem too detrimental at the time.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
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These politically and financially motivated actions will have a detrimental impact on public health for our consumers in this state.—
Will McDuffie,
ABC News,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Seven lawsuits filed this week in California allege that ordinary users seeking school help, spiritual reassurance, or simple conversation were instead drawn into psychologically damaging exchanges that ultimately preceded several suicides.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
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Vietnam is preparing for damaging winds, flooding, heavy rain and storm surges in its central provinces including Danang, Quang Ngai and Dak Lak.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Because obesity will drive higher blood pressure, higher blood sugar, more adverse cholesterol levels—all sorts of things—that sort of becomes a perfect storm.—
Veronique Greenwood,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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These weather conditions will result in elevated fire potential and a threat of adverse fire behavior.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pernicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pernicious. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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