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 Documenting often-invisible, sublethal effects in wild animals that are definitively linked to plastic itself has remained elusive. — Matthew Savoca, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2023 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. — Lindsey Konkel, National Geographic, 26 July 2016

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sublethal

Adjective

The result is clouds of both coal dust and highly toxic silica dust.

— Howard Berkes, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026
Philly neighborhoods with a higher percentage of green areas, by contrast, have lower levels of diesel particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and other toxic air pollutants, which inflame and irritate the respiratory system.

— Mahbubur Meenar, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 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

The feminist progress of the past half century has been met with a virulent backlash of misogyny.

— Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Further tests showed that the thick sticky coating made these bacteria more virulent than the normal-looking bacteria from the first urine sample.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026

Definition of virulent

Adjective

Parents should understand that infectious pathogens like viruses and bacteria have not disappeared, but rather remain under control when vaccination rates stay high.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
That infectious work ethic apparently already had resurfaced on Day One.

— Vahe Gregorian July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of infectious

Adjective

During this time, bogs, marshes, and other wetlands, historically seen as disease-ridden and deleterious to human health, were reevaluated by scientists and conservationists as valuable wildlife habitats.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
The effects of this are going to be really deleterious to this whole thing.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

Definition of deleterious

Adjective

Several dietary supplements were recalled in July because of possible undeclared prescription drugs, harmful bacteria or allergens.

— Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The air district is warning residents that wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants, adding that exposure is unhealthy, even for short periods of time.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of harmful

Adjective

But herein also lie some of the issues that de-normalizing alcohol consumption brings to light, including its overlap with other, equally pernicious public health crises.

— Tim Brinkhof, Time, 23 July 2026
Spector is clearly concerned with the pernicious consequences of technology, its ability to numb emotions and steer people into ideological cul-de-sacs.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Definition of pernicious

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sublet

sublethal

sublets

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“Sublethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sublethal. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sublethal

adjective

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