Definition of deleteriousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deleterious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of deleterious are baneful, detrimental, noxious, and pernicious. While all these words mean "exceedingly harmful," deleterious applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect.

a diet found to have deleterious effects

When is baneful a more appropriate choice than deleterious?

The synonyms baneful and deleterious are sometimes interchangeable, but baneful implies injury through poisoning or destroying.

the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity

When would detrimental be a good substitute for deleterious?

The words detrimental and deleterious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detrimental implies obvious harmfulness to something specified.

the detrimental effects of excessive drinking

When can noxious be used instead of deleterious?

The meanings of noxious and deleterious largely overlap; however, noxious applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind.

noxious chemical fumes

Where would pernicious be a reasonable alternative to deleterious?

The words pernicious and deleterious can be used in similar contexts, but pernicious implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining.

the claim that pornography has a pernicious effect on society

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 deleterious If signed, municipalities retain some say, with provisions allowing cities to stop plans that present deleterious environmental impacts, health and safety risks, or undue burden on infrastructure like sewer or water. Mark Dee march 28, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026 Chicago is a national example of the deleterious impact of this agenda on the national cultural landscape. Jane M. Saks, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 In July of last year Steyer sent out a tweet criticizing rent control for its deleterious and counterproductive effects. Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026 Studies have shown that routine use of AI has a deleterious impact on cognition, creativity, recall, and critical thinking. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deleterious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deleterious
Adjective
  • The plasma process also produced very little smoke or tar, reducing harmful secondary pollutants typically associated with biomass conversion and making the technology a cleaner way to produce renewable solid fuel.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
  • At the same time, its flowers attract beneficial predatory insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, that naturally hunt harmful garden pests.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • And beneath the surface of those turquoise waters, marine life continues on without knowing their life is colliding in detrimental-to-them ways.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Substance abuse is greatly detrimental in its own right, of course, but sometimes the issues that stem from it—stress, emotional exhaustion, secrecy, avoidance—can have similarly devastating long-term effects on a person’s wellbeing.
    Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • These conditions can increase your vulnerability to adverse effects from poor air quality.
    Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
  • Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Each specimen was weighed and put in the same-sized containers filled with superworm larvae to determine the optimal ratio of larvae to specimen for thorough cleaning without damaging bones.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
  • And such a gap can be far more damaging than any technology shortfall.
    Eugenia Mykuliak, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Teri handled higher-value finds and saw that potentially dangerous items – like firearms and knives – got to the local sheriff’s office.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Looking back through the sequence, Brazil have good numbers back and there is little need for anyone to overcommit — but a lazy tackle from behind leads to a free kick in a dangerous area.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deleterious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deleterious. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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