as in detrimental
causing or capable of causing harm
DDT has been proven to be extremely harmful to the environment
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harmful
Since each one of the harmful particles contains one apoB molecule, testing for it essentially captures the overall number of harmful plaque-producing compounds.
—
Akshay Syal, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
Lowering standards for safety and efficacy for people with obesity reinforces harmful inequities in care.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Any mattress with an Oeko-Tex certification is going to be a great bet for your sleep setup since this means the fabrics included are free of harmful chemicals.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026
Evidence suggests the filters were no safer than the alternatives, and possibly more harmful.
—Sarah Todd, STAT, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harmful
Akshay Syal, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
Lowering standards for safety and efficacy for people with obesity reinforces harmful inequities in care.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Any mattress with an Oeko-Tex certification is going to be a great bet for your sleep setup since this means the fabrics included are free of harmful chemicals.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026
Evidence suggests the filters were no safer than the alternatives, and possibly more harmful.
—Sarah Todd, STAT, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harmful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmful
Adjective
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Without a doubt, the MAGA approach to immigration has resulted in detrimental effects to how the Constitution works in our system of justice.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Feb. 2026
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The opposite, overwatering, is also detrimental because the seeds may rot.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Large hail up to quarter size and damaging winds of up to 60 mph are possible both Friday and Saturday afternoon and evenings.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
12 Feb. 2026
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But growth stalled, due both to the pandemic and damaging revelations about Glossier’s corporate culture during the racial justice movement following the murder of George Floyd.—
Jenny B. Fine,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Without reliably cold temperatures, snow is wetter and thinner, conditions are rainier — and for athletes that can be dangerous.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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Luge is the most dangerous of the three sliding sports (bobsled and skeleton are the others) — ironic because athletes in that event actually have the most control.—
Lindsay Schnell,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That agreement committed both nations to consult on security issues and respond to adverse challenges.—
NINIEK KARMINI,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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This fragmentation creates blind spots that contribute to adverse drug events, duplication of therapy and inefficient care and harms that ultimately drive up total health care costs.—
Sreedhar Potarazu,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In 2006, ahead of the Turin Olympics, Vonn took a bad fall during downhill training and went to the hospital.—
ANDREW DAMPF,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
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Attending a bad Super Bowl is the Super Bowl of communal experiences.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harmful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmful. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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