1
as in extinct
no longer existing
a stack of brochures and a few faded placards are all that remain of the defunct organization
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fallen
no longer living
a defunct species that we know only through fossil remains
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 defunct
Atkinson played professionally in lower leagues (the defunct Continental Basketball Association and United States Basketball League) and overseas, and is in his second head-coaching job, having taken over the Cavs prior to the start of last season.
—
Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Initial estimates put repair pricetag at about $400,000, leading the Riverwalk Commission and the now-defunct Exchange Club of Naperville to consider alternatives, including converting the fountain into a static art installation or creating a more natural water feature with plantings.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
The island is too steep for cars or roads; instead, hundreds of steps have been built to the top of a now-defunct crater.
—Chiara Barzini, Vogue, 9 May 2026
MarketBeat, a financial media company, surveyed 3,014 respondents (45+) to uncover which defunct chains Rhode Islanders most want to see make a comeback.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defunct
Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Initial estimates put repair pricetag at about $400,000, leading the Riverwalk Commission and the now-defunct Exchange Club of Naperville to consider alternatives, including converting the fountain into a static art installation or creating a more natural water feature with plantings.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
The island is too steep for cars or roads; instead, hundreds of steps have been built to the top of a now-defunct crater.
—Chiara Barzini, Vogue, 9 May 2026
MarketBeat, a financial media company, surveyed 3,014 respondents (45+) to uncover which defunct chains Rhode Islanders most want to see make a comeback.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defunct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defunct
Adjective
-
Finally, for sweeping sea views, book a stay at coastal Therasia Resort near the extinct Vulcanello.—
Nicky Swallow,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
-
The second phase came later with brain expansion Using evolutionary models, the researchers estimated handedness in extinct human relatives.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Kansas City had runners on first and second with none out in the fourth inning when the game was briefly delayed while workers attended to the fallen fan.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
There will be a laying of wreaths and flowers for all of the fallen, followed by brief comments.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Thinking him either dead or, worse, suicidal, she’d screamed, which inopportunely woke him up.—
Weike Wang,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Two pedestrians — Jason Negron, 46, and Michael Saint-Hilaire, 35, both of Manhattan — were pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
State officials reported minimal implementation problems, with exceptions allowing senior citizens to use expired licenses and voters verified by poll workers who have known them for six months or longer.—
John Raby,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
The fee for an expired meter increases to $80, up from $50.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
In that release, MCSO included photos of bones and skulls, presumably of deceased bison, and presumably taken on the Lay Valley property.—
Logan Smith,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
-
The landscaper came under gunfire about two blocks from where the suspects in the Islamic center shooting were found deceased.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Room by room, the author takes us through the house, now long gone.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Retaining Hall, 39, keeps one familiar face from Dart’s rookie year on the offensive side of the building for his second NFL season, with Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka and Shea Tierney all long gone.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defunct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defunct. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
