as in detrimental
causing or capable of causing harm
DDT has been proven to be extremely harmful to the environment
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Recent Examples of harmful
But multiple experts say that there are no harmful chemicals passed through to consumers because they are filtered out by the cow's digestive system.
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Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
One caller expressed concern about an odor wafting in the air and the possibility of harmful chemicals being released.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 4 Dec. 2024
Candidates invested millions in out-of-touch advisors, leading to surface-level interactions — and even worse, to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes as a way to appeal to one of the largest, most reliable voting blocs in a nation that often leaves us last.
—Derrick Johnson, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
Antioxidants protect your body from harmful molecules called free radicals, which can cause cell damage.
—Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for harmful 
Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
One caller expressed concern about an odor wafting in the air and the possibility of harmful chemicals being released.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 4 Dec. 2024
Candidates invested millions in out-of-touch advisors, leading to surface-level interactions — and even worse, to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes as a way to appeal to one of the largest, most reliable voting blocs in a nation that often leaves us last.
—Derrick Johnson, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
Antioxidants protect your body from harmful molecules called free radicals, which can cause cell damage.
—Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for harmful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmful
Adjective
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The types of deception, manipulation and impersonations that can be perpetuated are frightening: • Deepfake videos of CEOs directing employees to take action or share information that could be detrimental to companies and their customers.Perry Carpenter, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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Heavy lead exposure has long been known to be detrimental to our health.Theara Coleman, theweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The former Nickelodeon actress noted the pressure can feel unbearable, with even simple comments — like a family member remarking on her weight — being damaging.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
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For teenagers especially, these comments can be damaging to their self-esteem, and should be shut down.Wendy Wisner, Parents, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Road conditions could also be dangerous in the region.Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024
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Being inconsistent with genocide allegations sets a dangerous precedent.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Blocking the deal on spurious national security grounds would invite many far more realistic, adverse national security and economic consequences.Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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Several others have been banned over the years due to adverse health effects and other issues.Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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If anything, the living conditions seemed to get worse.Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
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That's not a bad stat to have on your Challenge resumé.Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near harmful
Cite this Entry
“Harmful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmful. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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