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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
While world leaders bicker over the prospects for peace, the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two is heating up fast: swarms of drones are being launched by both sides while Russia is advancing at key points along the front. Guy Faulconbridge, USA Today, 29 May 2025 The deadly shooting outside Washington, D.C.’s Capital Jewish Museum has added to an ongoing conversation about antisemitism after Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 massacre. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
Adverb
View 2 Images Scientists have made a major breakthrough in the accuracy and speed at which often deadly pathogen infections can be identified and treated. New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025 The incident started as an altercation that turned deadly, according to the NDOC. Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
  • Oscar Franklin Smith is set to be executed by lethal injection for the 1989 murder of his estranged wife, 35-year-old Judith Robirds Smith, and her sons.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The last electrocution was in 1990, the method has been lethal injection since that time.
    Ray Hanley, Arkansas Online, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Most advice about LinkedIn growth focuses on sheer numbers.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Some of music’s biggest names (and harshest critics) have marveled at the sheer range of Darin’s work, which spanned everything from jazz, swing and pop to folk and country.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Security for Ukrainians will depend upon NATO members, especially the U.S., increasing their delivery of lethal weaponry to enhance Ukraine’s armed forces capability of causing mortal damage to Russia’s armies and cities.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
  • Related Stories The China de minimis ban, which is still very much in its rollout phase, has been viewed as a mortal wound to the trade provision.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 16 May 2025
Adverb
  • Continuing with her streak of daring silhouettes, the performer took the stage in a black textured jumpsuit with a completely open back that sat extremely low on her hips.
    Rachel Flynn, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • With extremely long battery life, this is a productivity portable that will get you through an entire day on the go, and the keyboard is a pleasure to use.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Her father was charged A CT baby had fractures and injuries medical personnel say could have been fatal.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
  • In addition to the loss of wildlife, collisions are also fatal to humans.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Both Merz and Zelensky criticized the Kremlin’s effective rejection of an unconditional ceasefire proposed by the U.S., which Kyiv accepted.
    Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump on Monday granted an unconditional pardon to a Virginia sheriff who had been convicted of federal bribery charges and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
    Stacey Dec, ABC News, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • He was pronounced dead at the scene by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 25 May 2025
  • The silver vehicle then hit the 84-year-old woman, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
Adverb
  • Through it all, Cher has remained a woman with an incredibly sharp wit, and zero tolerance for BS.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 20 May 2025
  • Like its younger sibling, the whiskey has an incredibly broad aroma, encompassing fresh and dried tropical and orchard fruits, nuts, caramel or butterscotch, and vanilla.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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