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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective deadly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deadly are fatal, lethal, and mortal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When would fatal be a good substitute for deadly?

In some situations, the words fatal and deadly are roughly equivalent. However, fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

When is lethal a more appropriate choice than deadly?

While in some cases nearly identical to deadly, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

When could mortal be used to replace deadly?

The synonyms mortal and deadly are sometimes interchangeable, but mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable.

a mortal wound

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 deadly
Adjective
Percy’s journey to set things right will take him off the map and into the deadly Sea of Monsters, where a secret fate awaits the son of Poseidon. Denise Petski, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2025 The two neighbors engaged in a brief but deadly conflict earlier this year – their worst in decades – with both sides striking deep into the other’s territory. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
Adverb
New Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke is off to a great start in her effort to target deadly enhanced guns that bring criminal mayhem into our communities. John Schmidt, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 Durst's oldest daughter was there when the shooting happened and is part of a growing tally of traumatized children left mourning a parent as Indianapolis grapples with how to curb arguments turning deadly. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
  • The true key to the film’s success is Ronan herself, who perfectly balances deadly precision with emotional vulnerability—childlike in curiosity but lethal in execution.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The look was finished with a silk tulle veil, crystal beaded Manolo Blahnik satin sandals and a pair of sheer elbow gloves.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Founder Samantha Brett emphasizes layering SPF over makeup, with formulas like their Beauty Screen Mineral Tints providing SPF50 protection in a sheer, wearable finish.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In Chinese myths, being an immortal can sort of feel like being a government employee — celestial bureaucracies make decisions that affect both the heavenly and mortal realms, and leaders of different immortal sects can engage in power plays and politics.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Gillan will play Heather, MacLeod’s mortal wife and the love of his life.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Dern’s casting as Hank's mom was extremely meaningful to Butler, whose mother Lori died of cancer in 2014.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Having a healthy Parsons ready to rock for the team's matchup against the Lions will be extremely important.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Peacock 'Sharp Corner' This unsettling thriller features Ben Foster as a man who becomes overly obsessed with the fatal car crashes that happen at a sharp corner in the road in front of his new home.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Gaines said the department’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team was investigating the fatal crash and had not determined whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the traffic collision.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Chris McGrath/Getty Images Just imagine if the Russian leader were to announce not only a commitment to peace but also an unconditional pledge to return the 20,000 Ukrainian children his forces have illegally abducted since the full-scale invasion of February 2022.
    Irwin Redlener, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Osborn sided with the remaining two factions, demanding immediate and unconditional emancipation and boycotting products from places that used slave labor.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • He was found dead when first responders arrived about 11 p.m. July 9.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Angel thought his friend was dead for the past 12 years.
    Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Short n’ Sweet, but anticipation for her next project is incredibly high.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Photo: Levi Kelly A house this small needs to be incredibly efficient.
    Levi Kelly, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadly. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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