Definition of detrimentalnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of detrimental are baneful, deleterious, noxious, and pernicious. While all these words mean "exceedingly harmful," detrimental implies obvious harmfulness to something specified.

the detrimental effects of excessive drinking

When would baneful be a good substitute for detrimental?

While the synonyms baneful and detrimental are close in meaning, baneful implies injury through poisoning or destroying.

the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity

Where would deleterious be a reasonable alternative to detrimental?

The meanings of deleterious and detrimental largely overlap; however, deleterious applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect.

a diet found to have deleterious effects

When can noxious be used instead of detrimental?

The synonyms noxious and detrimental are sometimes interchangeable, but noxious applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind.

noxious chemical fumes

When could pernicious be used to replace detrimental?

While in some cases nearly identical to detrimental, 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 detrimental And the dejected diehard of a downtrodden franchise isn’t truly stuck in a one-sided detrimental relationship. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 11 May 2026 That interpretation could suggest the mayor of the county’s second-largest city would be prohibited from passing legislation or speaking out against federal laws that may be detrimental to many Chula Vistans. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026 The statistics plainly show that the penalty-kill struggles, and a power play that is 0 for 5 in two games, have been detrimental. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026 Both new and long-standing treatments for sleep apnea can be effective in reducing the detrimental health consequences. Erika Yamazaki, The Conversation, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for detrimental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detrimental
Adjective
  • Avoiding peak sunlight hours, and wearing hats, clothing, and sticking to the shade are safe and effective ways to reduce your risk of harmful sun exposure, Fisher says.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 25 May 2026
  • Gallup recently found that the percentage of Americans who drink alcohol has fallen to 54%, the lowest level in nearly 90 years, while a majority now believe even moderate drinking is harmful to health.
    Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Instability, too, can be just as damaging for suppliers.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 May 2026
  • The impact on the industry will be damaging.
    Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • But participants experienced high rates of side effects, and about 11% discontinued due to adverse events, raising questions about how appealing the treatment would be.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 22 May 2026
  • The decline in live viewing for broadcast has had an adverse affect on accruing ad revenue that supports the financial expense of producing late night talk shows that air on TV.
    Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • Understanding these unexpected auroras could improve forecasts of dangerous space weather, which can disrupt satellites, GPS systems, communications and even power grids during extreme solar storms.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 May 2026
  • Still, since the man had fled, these officials emphasized the necessity of executing her, even as the whole episode whispered even to them of the dangerous vulnerabilities of their colonial situation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to realize your shoes were a terrible choice.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
  • Despite a weekend sweep of the Rangers, the Angels are tied for worst record in baseball and their fans are fed up with owner Arte Moreno’s leadership.
    Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detrimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detrimental. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

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