1
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
the doctors were alarmed about the outbreak of the deadly new virus
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions
the deadly tedium of waiting for the fog to lift
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3
as in mortal
of, relating to, or suggestive of death
a deadly pallor spread across her face as the tragic news gradually sank in
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in extremely
to a great degree
I'm deadly serious about making an offer on the house
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deadly
Hannah Beech, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
In the Svay Leu district, the site of the deadly blast, there was previously heavy conflict between the Cambodian government and rebel guerrillas from the Khmer Rouge, according to the AP.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
Davey Winder, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
While delivered with a smile, the question was deadly serious in a congressional district with such an even partisan split that anything could happen to knock the future incumbent off kilter two years from now, as just happened to Democratic first-term Rep. Yadira Caraveo.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deadly
Adjective
But a World War II battle 80 years ago this month turned the Japanese island into a byword for desperate, deadly combat — and for American triumph.
—Hannah Beech, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
In the Svay Leu district, the site of the deadly blast, there was previously heavy conflict between the Cambodian government and rebel guerrillas from the Khmer Rouge, according to the AP.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
Adverb
But don’t be fooled by the apparent humor, the Hellcat crime group is deadly serious and wants $125,000 in the cryptocurrency Monero as well.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
While delivered with a smile, the question was deadly serious in a congressional district with such an even partisan split that anything could happen to knock the future incumbent off kilter two years from now, as just happened to Democratic first-term Rep. Yadira Caraveo.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
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Chris Wood is in lethal goalscoring form, while goalkeeper Matz Sels has notched 10 clean sheets this season — just one behind Liverpool’s record of 11.—
Julia Ranney,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
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Glossip nearly receives lethal injection Glossip has had nine separate execution dates scheduled and has nearly been executed several times.—
Sean Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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As for throwback hits, Barbra Streisand’s sheer jumpsuit by Arnold Scaasi, worn in 1969, is proof that having fun on the carpet always wins, as does Salma Hayek’s Armani look in 1997, complete with a tiara.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2025
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Yet the sheer number of the reversals reflect an administration moving much faster than usual.—
Brian Bennett,
TIME,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But what Garry learned through his unique, unexpected, painful, and beautiful odyssey is that these mortal moments can also energize and inspire.—
Jason Phillips,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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Such a merging of a mortal individual with a pitilessly abstract power like Nemesis is closer to myth than to history.—
Rachel Hadas,
The Conversation,
5 Feb. 2025
Adverb
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Freezing rain and sleet fell in Oklahoma and Arkansas, leaving roads extremely dangerous.—
Max Golembo,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2025
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More:Measles continues to spread as Texas outbreak rises to 48 cases: Here's what to know Given that measles is extremely contagious and can cause severe complications including pneumonia and brain swelling, the drop in vaccination rates is concerning.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Gordon Cordeiro had his freedom secured on Friday after a judge ordered him released in light of new DNA evidence that led to the overturning of his conviction in the 1994 fatal shooting of Timothy Blaisdell on the island of Maui.—
Landon Mion,
Fox News,
23 Feb. 2025
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Cordeiro’s legal team believes that another suspect, who the AP reported died in 2020, set up the victim to be robbed during a marijuana deal that ended in a fatal shooting.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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No matter the qualities of an apartment, Munden said the best place for a dog is with an owner willing to give unconditional love to the canine.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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Families should expect to see themes around empathy, unconditional love, overcoming trials, and taking hold of responsibility.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Read, 44, is accused of hitting her boyfriend John O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him for dead in a snowstorm in 2022.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2025
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Those tend to be the players released in the name of cap space, though that would trigger a large dead cap hit.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
Adverb
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Shout out once again to Indianapolis’ incredibly walkable downtown.—
Jason Kirk,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
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The actress worked with celebrity stylist Molly Dickson, who, much like Sydney Sweeney herself, is incredibly hard-working and therefore, always booked.—
Aamina Inayat Khan,
StyleCaster,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadly. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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