detriments

noun

plural of detriment
1
as in harms
something that causes loss or pain opponents of casino gambling claim that it is a detriment to society at large

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disadvantages
the negative result caused by something that creates difficulty for achieving success the requirement that runners wear shoes for the race worked to his detriment since he was used to running barefoot

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 detriments There's a lot of debate right now about the benefits and detriments of social media. — Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026 The report emphasizes much of what is already known – and some that is still being studied – about the detriments of too much screen time on developing minds. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 20 May 2026 The three largest carriers all offer basic economy fares, with various benefits and detriments. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025 The fact is, it is widely believed Rockies hitters and pitchers having to go back and forth between sea level and a mile high is among the biggest detriments to their success. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026 Resident Mark Youell said the board rightly voted this down and urged the board to continue to reject it, saying the detriments far exceed the benefits. — Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026 But other worries abound, a la O’Leary’s remarks about extras, to say nothing of broader cultural detriments like brain-draining our college students. — Andy Crump, Time, 31 Oct. 2025 These candid and thoughtful conversations about potential scenarios and solutions allow partners to get on the same page and build healthy habits for the long run that can ultimately avoid the detriments of a divorce. — Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025 Research has also overwhelmingly indicated that lack of sleep can lead to numerous health detriments, including chronic disease, mental health deterioration and even behavioral disorders. — Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detriments
  1. harms
  2. disadvantages
  3. damages
  4. injuries
Noun
  • Critics say Heidelberg Materials, one of the world’s largest cement companies, failed to properly assess and mitigate the potential harms of its plans to create a limestone mine and cement factory in Central Java’s Kendeng Mountains.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • The harms associated with pesticides will continue to be a concern for consumers, courts and legislatures.
    — Sarah J. Morath, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of harms
Noun
  • But should Team England certainly will be far from the first team that has to deal with such disadvantages.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Many of them are single mothers due to structural disadvantages.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
Definition of disadvantages
Noun
  • In the lawsuit, Flagg is asking for injunctive relief, damages, profits and attorneys' fees, arguing Swift's use of the phrase could create consumer confusion and damage the value of her existing brand.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • According to the complaint, the Barbours are seeking personal injury damages for their physical injuries, and survival and wrongful death damages for Avila's estate.
    — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of damages
Noun
  • However, 11Alive stated that two people had suffered serious injuries during the incident.
    — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • No injuries were reported in the Chicago area due to the storm.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of injuries

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detrimental
detriments
detritus
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Cite this Entry

“Detriments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detriments. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detriments

Nglish: Translation of detriments for Spanish Speakers

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