1
as in harmful
causing or capable of causing harm
the most hurtful thing you can do to this silk dress is put it in the dryer
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
her ex-husband said hurtful things that she could never forgive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hurtful
Iverson hopes people watching the show see Ogilvie’s comments as both hurtful and unnecessary and strive for empathy in their own lives as a result.
—
Marah Eakin, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
This is clearly an attempt to refute the common—and correct—argument that tariffs are regressive, or disproportionately hurtful to lower-income people.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026
People have explained Davidson’s disability ad nauseam, but that commentary has been a hurtful reminder that Black personhood is a constant afterthought.
—Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Will that influence be fruitful or hurtful?
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hurtful
Marah Eakin, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
This is clearly an attempt to refute the common—and correct—argument that tariffs are regressive, or disproportionately hurtful to lower-income people.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026
People have explained Davidson’s disability ad nauseam, but that commentary has been a hurtful reminder that Black personhood is a constant afterthought.
—Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Will that influence be fruitful or hurtful?
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hurtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurtful
Adjective
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The same jury acquitted Lopez of more than a dozen other charges and hung on five counts of sending harmful material to a minor.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
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While the video amused viewers, experts warn that repeatedly hitting the snooze button can be harmful.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In the following months, painful shocks radiated through her chest and back.—
Brett Kelman,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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The images of that crash were shared widely online and caught Noah Williams' attention, triggering painful memories and taking him back to the day his own life changed forever.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Importantly, there was no detrimental effect on strength or durability from the additives.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
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However, a full recovery is unlikely in the near term, meaning many detrimental impacts could persist, or even intensify, through the rest of the year.—
Daniel Manzo,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Its tulle is brittle and sharp, brushing against my fur like a thousand tiny teeth, a cruel lover that bites with every move.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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Because here’s the last, and cruelest, kicker.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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On April 4, a cold front heading east will bring risks of hail, heavy rain and damaging winds from Texas to southwestern New York, AccuWeather reported.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
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The tornadoes ranged in intensity from EF-0 to EF-3, damaging or destroying numerous homes and businesses, overturning vehicles and causing widespread power outages.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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His team, which includes his advisor Atsushi Shirane and Masaya Miyahara of Japan’s High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), is aiming to develop a wireless system for controlling robots in this harsh environment.—
Katherine Bourzac,
IEEE Spectrum,
2 Apr. 2026
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Items that are wind-resistant and waterproof will be good for use in many harsh weather conditions in which the user would need protection.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Community members and city leaders say the combination of narrow streets, heavy foot traffic and frequent parking maneuvers can create dangerous conditions.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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Assault with a dangerous weapon on a person 60 or older.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The most common adverse events were falls and muscle weakness, which overlap with ALS symptoms.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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When you're stressed or angry, your cortisol levels rise, which can have adverse effects on your heart, metabolism, and immune system.—
Sharon Basaraba,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurtful. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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