SUBLETHAL Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

sublethal

adjective

Definition of sublethal

as in toxic

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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 sublethal But subtler, sublethal effects, like those described above for DDT, could be much farther-reaching. — Matthew Savoca, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2023 The third is that this dosage was sublethal, just to send a message. — Ellen Barry and Ceylan Yeginsu, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2018 There’s a growing body of evidence, too, that neonicotinoids may have sublethal effects, says Dennis vanEngelsdorp, a bee researcher at the University of Maryland who was not involved in the new study. — National Geographic, 26 July 2016

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublethal

Adjective

For The Times) After an eight-day blaze at a Boyle Heights warehouse, toxic ash may have tainted backyard food gardens.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Invasive mussels and toxic algae Invasive quagga mussels were first spotted in the Snake River in 2023, and drastic measures were taken to stop their spread.

— Hannah Smith Updated July 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2026

Definition of toxic

Adjective

His provisional cause of death was given as multi-organ failure due to infective endocarditis, a rare infection of the inner lining or valves of the heart.

— Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
On July 30, Ray updated her fans again, revealing her diagnosis of infective endocarditis, a severe heart infection.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 July 2024

Definition of infective

Adjective

Deaths from influenza rose slightly, partly due to an unusually virulent strain circulating last year, although falling vaccination rates may also have contributed, The Wall Street Journal reported.

— Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
This petition must be placed within a tense French context, after several months of virulent criticism aimed at cinema.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 June 2026

Definition of virulent

Adjective

The atmosphere is infectious, attracting a discerning international crowd, yacht enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and travelers who are seeking a blend of luxury and authenticity.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Vibrant animation, infectious energy, and a killer soundtrack make this a future cult favorite.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026

Definition of infectious

Adjective

The quickest way to artificially boost a company’s stock price is to slash R&D, gut capex, and initiate massive share buybacks, often with deleterious long-term consequences.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Lawyers have been accused of unnecessary complexity, deleterious delay, excessive cost, and self-interest for centuries.

— Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of deleterious

Adjective

Nevertheless, there are several measures that gardeners can take to keep themselves, their children, plants and produce safe from potentially harmful contaminants stemming from the fire.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Advertisement If sleep deprivation is harmful, do studies where people are asked to sleep longer show a beneficial effect?

— Veronique Greenwood, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of harmful

Adjective

But even with federal legislation prohibiting discrimination, the pernicious virus of bias infects too many institutions.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026
This safety feature is indispensable, which makes this new wave of thefts particularly pernicious.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026

Definition of pernicious

Browse Nearby Words

sublet

sublethal

sublets

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“Sublethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublethal. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sublethal

adjective

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