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 harmful People should avoid any social media challenge asking them to take medicines, whether prescription or over the counter, or to partake in other potentially harmful activities. Katia Hetter, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025 Aside from shower head filters, a clarifying shampoo is the ultimate solution to combating build-up on your scalp caused by natural oil production (or perhaps worsened by poor water quality rich in harmful minerals). Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025 If left sitting out for too long, harmful bacteria such as E.Coli, listeria, and salmonella can grow and pose a serious risk to your furry friend. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025 Studies have shown that testers can harbor harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (a common cause of styes and other infections), E. coli, yeast, and mold. Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for harmful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmful
Adjective
  • Studies have also shown that exercising during times of poor air quality—for instance, when there is a high level of these fine particulates in the air—is detrimental to our health.
    Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025
  • As a former personal injury lawyer, Sam recognized that attorneys without medical training often overlook critical details in medical records and bills, which can be detrimental to their cases.
    Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The cyclone was already bringing heavy rainfall to coastal areas on Saturday, along with damaging winds and storm surges.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The system brought the potential for heavy rain, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The 400-mile race is scheduled to start on Sunday after it was delayed by more than a month due to warm temperatures and a dangerous trail.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Listeria is particularly dangerous for elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Environmental groups have long opposed the new reservoir and objected to a shorter judicial review, saying the project will release unacceptable amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas, into the air in addition to other adverse impacts.
    Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Severe chikungunya-like adverse reactions occurred in 1.6% of IXCHIQ recipients and none of the placebo recipients, according to the FDA.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • However, irrational exuberance can leads stocks of good companies to be bad stocks.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Almost—the Cybertruck somehow manages to look worse in real life than in pictures; the confluence of angles where its various steel body panels fit together somehow serves to prove the exception to the rule that is the golden ratio.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Harmful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmful. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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