slay

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slay distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slay are assassinate, dispatch, execute, kill, and murder. While all these words mean "to deprive of life," slay is a chiefly literary term implying deliberateness and violence but not necessarily motive.

slew thousands of the Philistines

Where would assassinate be a reasonable alternative to slay?

The words assassinate and slay can be used in similar contexts, but assassinate applies to deliberate killing openly or secretly often for political motives.

terrorists assassinated the Senator

In what contexts can dispatch take the place of slay?

Although the words dispatch and slay have much in common, dispatch stresses quickness and directness in putting to death.

dispatched the sentry with one bullet

When can execute be used instead of slay?

The words execute and slay are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, execute stresses putting to death as a legal penalty.

executed by lethal gas

When might kill be a better fit than slay?

The synonyms kill and slay are sometimes interchangeable, but kill merely states the fact of death caused by an agency in any manner.

killed in an accident
frost killed the plants

When is it sensible to use murder instead of slay?

While in some cases nearly identical to slay, murder specifically implies stealth and motive and premeditation and therefore full moral responsibility.

convicted of murdering a rival

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 slay Officials have finalized funeral services for slain Kansas City, Kansas police officer Hunter Simoncic. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2025 As the popularity of Kpop Demon Hunters and its soundtrack shows no signs of slowing down, the movie’s influence could deliver even more fierce girl group hits to slay the charts this summer and beyond — get listening now! Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Rumi, Mira and Zoey's weapons have historical ties Rumi's go-to weapon is the Saingeom, known as the Four Tiger Sword, used to slay demons. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025 KPop Demon Hunters has officially slain Red Notice. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slay
Verb
  • Utah police on Friday arrested Tyler Robinson for allegedly killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, although his potential motive remains hazy.
    Claire Cameron, semafor.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Key Background Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was killed in an unprovoked attack on a commuter rail in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The gun authorities say was used to assassinate Charlie Kirk was a Mauser 98, a common bolt-action rifle typically used for hunting.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure, was assassinated on Wednesday while speaking at a college campus in Utah.
    Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some are value-destroying black holes; others are relentless value creators.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The first instance of NATO nations downing drones came last week, when Polish and Dutch fighters destroyed three Russian drones over Poland.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Netflix drama follows a British family as their 13-year-old son Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is accused and arrested for murdering a teenage girl in his class.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Overall crime hit a 25-year low, and murder a six-year low, police said.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the clip, the pair execute the moves to the song’s post-chorus, before a bonnet-wearing Colbert pretends to choke on something, causing Gaga to erupt in laughter.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The current owners tapped architect Chip Bohl and interior designer Louise Copeland to execute a complete interior renovation and construct the north wing.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slay. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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