1
as in neglectful
failing to give proper care and attention
the guards were judged derelict in their duty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disused
left unoccupied or unused
purchased an old derelict mansion that was rumored to be haunted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in bum
an idle worthless person
a section of the city that seemed to be frequented mostly by derelicts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 derelict
Kim Harrisberg and Jack Graham, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Nov. 2024
The harbor had a derelict air, its large docks empty and the plaza devoid of people.
—Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Jennifer Hattam, TIME, 25 July 2024
The country’s derelict regime couldn’t last forever, U.S. leaders reasoned.
—Doug Bandow, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2016
See all Example Sentences for derelict 
Adjective
The panel published a report in September with recommendations to make the sector more sustainable, such as by creating a transparency framework and a fund to address legacy issues caused by derelict or abandoned mines.
—Kim Harrisberg and Jack Graham, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Nov. 2024
The harbor had a derelict air, its large docks empty and the plaza devoid of people.
—Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
This grand Turkish bath (hamam) reopened in May 2024 after laying derelict for decades.
—Jennifer Hattam, TIME, 25 July 2024
The country’s derelict regime couldn’t last forever, U.S. leaders reasoned.
—Doug Bandow, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2016
See all Example Sentences for derelict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derelict
Adjective
-
So many negative family cycles—such as unhealthy communication or neglectful parenting patterns—are fueled by unresolved pain or frustration over past events.Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
-
Just like his neglectful father did, the scribe devalues his wife and child to chase someone else’s idea of success.Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
McQueen spends half an hour dispassionately showing us the grimness of HMP Maze, a Troubles-era warehouse for enemies of the British state on a disused airfield.IndieWire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024
-
In his first five night-shift stints as watchman at a disused ’80s amusement park/arcade mall — Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza Place — Mike stares glaze-eyed at security monitors, then drifts into violent 3-D incidents, His circumstance incarnates the hell that Morrissey sings about.Armond White, National Review, 1 Nov. 2023
Noun
-
This was all done with a bum wrist, which posed as an inconvenience to him at times.Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2024
-
Tommy, left to prosecute the case against Rusty, has inherited a bum gig.Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 26 July 2024
Adjective
-
Their rounded faces, their piercings and makeup, their lateness and absences and profuse, careless apologies—their vulnerability was almost intolerable.Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
-
Michigan fire statistics The leading cause of fire deaths in 2024 through early December are careless smoking (46%), followed by heating (16%) and explosion (16%), a report by Michigan Fire Inspectors Society said.Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The beggars, widows, and families with sick relatives who once made a pilgrimage to the gates of the parliament building in the Green Zone to beg lawmakers for help are now barred from entry.Ned Parker, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2012
-
All the beggars at the intersection of Lee Road and the off-ramp of I-4 are completely out of hand.Ticked Off, Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2024
Adjective
-
Daryl Dixon: The Book Of Carol amped up every preposterous element of the first season and double down on lazy writing.Erik Kain, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024
-
Moonflower Murders is the perfect comfort watch for a long, lazy weekend.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
According to the nonprofit, Kristin Davis found the abandoned and weak elephant calf while on a trip near Kenya's Chyulu Hills.Kelli Bender, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
-
Seen in a video that moves through the abandoned and disarrayed hallways of the pediatric intensive care unit at Al-Nasr Children’s Hospital in northern Gaza were several babies whose unattended bodies lay on separate hospital beds.Yasmine Salam, NBC News, 2 Dec. 2023
Noun
-
Extra hooks allow the bag to transform into a trapezoidal hobo shape.Joelle Diderich, WWD, 19 Sep. 2024
-
There’s a lot to love about Coach’s viral shoulder bag: the modern hobo style, the soft leather, the distinct shape.Lindy Segal, Glamour, 13 Sep. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near derelict
Cite this Entry
“Derelict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derelict. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share