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
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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
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Recent Examples of defunct
The soon-to-be-defunct RTA has defended the spending plan, saying safety is high on transit riders’ list of concerns.
—
Talia Soglin,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The piece of jewelry went up for auction just over a decade later during the now-defunct Profiles in History Icons of Hollywood auction, according to The Marilyn Monroe Collection.
—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
Shirts tied to a specific tour, an album release or a now-defunct venue tend to be the most desirable.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
As a result of this need for speed, Apollo did not build anything permanent on the moon, leaving behind only flags, footprints and defunct spacecraft.
—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defunct
Talia Soglin,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The piece of jewelry went up for auction just over a decade later during the now-defunct Profiles in History Icons of Hollywood auction, according to The Marilyn Monroe Collection.
—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
Shirts tied to a specific tour, an album release or a now-defunct venue tend to be the most desirable.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
As a result of this need for speed, Apollo did not build anything permanent on the moon, leaving behind only flags, footprints and defunct spacecraft.
—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defunct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defunct
Adjective
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Excavators uncovered stone artifacts and bones of Stegodon florensis insularis, a bison-size extinct relative of elephants, near the Homo floresiensis fossils.
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Pittsburgh's National Aviary recently hatched two Guam kingfisher chicks, a species extinct in the wild.
Adjective
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Dozens of firefighters lined the street in a solemn salute to their fallen colleagues.
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Jackass Forever was dedicated to Dunn and concluded with a moving tribute to their fallen comrade.
Adjective
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Customers can use their expired coupons until July 13.
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King recommends going through your refrigerator to throw away any expired or rotten food before cleaning the inside with soap and hot water.
Adjective
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There were no signs of rodents at any businesses during this inspection period, but dead roaches were found at Conservatory at Plano, at 6401 Ohio Drive.
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She was flown by Life Flight to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Adjective
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Suddenly, photos, videos, or important documents are just… gone.
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Room by room, the author takes us through the house, now long gone.
Adjective
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The bell’s pyramidal face is decorated with depictions of deceased kings and queens, and its toll was believed to invoke ancestral spirits.
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Both of his parents are deceased, and his grandmother was caring for his younger brother, who was suffering from a severe leg injury.
Cite this Entry
“Defunct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defunct. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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