DELETERIOUS Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'deleterious' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of deleterious are baneful , detrimental , noxious , and pernicious . While all these words mean "exceedingly harmful," deleterious applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect. // a diet found to have deleterious effects

Q: When is 'baneful' a more appropriate choice than 'deleterious'?

The synonyms baneful and deleterious are sometimes interchangeable, but baneful implies injury through poisoning or destroying. // the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity

Q: When would 'detrimental' be a good substitute for 'deleterious'?

The words detrimental and deleterious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detrimental implies obvious harmfulness to something specified. // the detrimental effects of excessive drinking

Q: When can 'noxious' be used instead of 'deleterious'?

The meanings of noxious and deleterious largely overlap; however, noxious applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind. // noxious chemical fumes

Q: Where would 'pernicious' be a reasonable alternative to 'deleterious'?

The words pernicious and deleterious can be used in similar contexts, but pernicious implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining. // the claim that pornography has a pernicious effect on society

deleterious

adjective

ˌde-lə-ˈtir-ē-əs

Definition of deleterious next

as in harmful

causing or capable of causing harm nicotine has long been recognized as a deleterious substance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word deleterious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of deleterious are baneful, detrimental, noxious, and pernicious. While all these words mean "exceedingly harmful," deleterious applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect.

a diet found to have deleterious effects

When is baneful a more appropriate choice than deleterious?

The synonyms baneful and deleterious are sometimes interchangeable, but baneful implies injury through poisoning or destroying.

the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity

When would detrimental be a good substitute for deleterious?

The words detrimental and deleterious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detrimental implies obvious harmfulness to something specified.

the detrimental effects of excessive drinking

When can noxious be used instead of deleterious?

The meanings of noxious and deleterious largely overlap; however, noxious applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind.

noxious chemical fumes

Where would pernicious be a reasonable alternative to deleterious?

The words pernicious and deleterious can be used in similar contexts, but pernicious implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining.

the claim that pornography has a pernicious effect on society

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 deleterious This will have an immediate and chilling impact on all diversity initiatives at all companies, again having a deleterious impact on the broader economy. —

Solange Charas, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Not all of the longer-range Ioniq 5s can go that far; as EV aficionados know, fitting bigger wheels to one does deleterious things to its range. —

Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 3 Sep. 2024 The state would wield a deleterious influence on public education, with a rounded civic understanding of Israeli democracy replaced by a more baldly nationalist and illiberal one. —

Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024 And if most analysts are right, the deleterious political and economic effect of Trump-style tariffs might eclipse other tax issues for the next four years. —

Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deleterious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deleterious

Adjective

Researchers may have found that the tartaric acid in grapes and raisins is the substance which is harmful to dogs.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
Listeria is especially harmful to people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

— Kelly Tyko, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025