deadly 1 of 2

Definition of deadlynext
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deadly

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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

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
Duong was soon diagnosed with the deadly disease and lost sight in that eye. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026 Air Canada announced Monday its CEO will retire later this year, after Michael Rousseau was criticized for his English-only message of condolence following this month’s deadly crash in New York. Rob Gillies, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
The same tests found below-average levels of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid blamed for overdoses around the country. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 18 Feb. 2026 That sense of place goes a long way in immersing you into J1’s world, whether the tone is deadly serious or lightly comical. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
  • The planned execution of Thomas Creech in 2024 could not be carried out because a suitable vein could not be found to administer lethal drugs.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The punishment stipulated under the new law is death by hanging, after the Israeli Medical Association's ethics board said last year that its members would be prohibited from administering lethal injections, according to Israeli media.
    Matt Bradley, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If the success of a party is measured by the sheer volume of sequins, few could compete with the Conservative Action Political Conference.
    Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • At various crucial points in the journey, the crew expects to lose contact with mission control because of the sheer distance and physics involved with the flight.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Divine Dancers duology comes to a close as immortal celestial dancer Meneka attempts to hide from her divine fate with mortal sage Kaushika, with whom seduction turned to genuine love.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • These are things that are beyond our mortal comprehension, but that are maybe coming in the near-future.
    Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • That can be attributed to the fact that Rolex models were already highly valued in 2018 and were also in extremely high demand during the pandemic.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Almost all natural bodies of water bear fish life, with the exception of very hot thermal ponds and extremely salt-alkaline lakes, such as the Dead Sea in Asia and the Great Salt Lake in North America.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That is the highest-level designation for severe accidents, placing it alongside the fatal Challenger (1986) and Columbia (2003) shuttle disasters in terms of gravity.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The cause of that fatal accident remains under investigation.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Her loyalty, unconditional love and gratitude will be worth the extra care her heart requires, guaranteed!
    Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Sponsored and provided by LifeBridge Health Pets bring joy, companionship and unconditional love into our lives.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • By 1838, Prudhomme was dead, and his daughter petitioned to divide the estate.
    Elijah Winkler, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Man stabbed to death in Southie apartment A man was stabbed in an apartment in South Boston Friday and pronounced dead at a hospital the next day.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • In the transfer portal era, making contributions at a championship-caliber program like Ohio State as a true freshman are incredibly rare.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The first thing that struck me was the gold necklace’s incredibly lightweight nature, clocking in at just 25 grams.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadly. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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