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 harmful The pods can help your septic system avoid the harmful effects caused by bleach, detergents and other chemical drain openers. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Mast cells also play a role in protecting the skin from harmful bacteria. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2025 All are found in dust and rocks, and aren’t harmful in the context of those minute, naturally-occurring exposures. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025 This doesn’t mean discrimination is less harmful for Black, Hispanic/Latino or other racial and ethnic groups. Monica Wang, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for harmful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harmful
Adjective
  • Data shows how detrimental bad habits can be relative to the buy-and-hold investor.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The Institute for the Study of War said Friday that Russian strikes on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure under the cover of the ceasefire on energy strikes were detrimental to establishing peace.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, research has confirmed just how damaging that habit can be.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Professionals, for the most part, consider these to be inefficient or damaging to knives.
    Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Both teams possess forwards who are dangerous when running in behind defences.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Many of the surf zone fatalities occur when distant hurricanes send swells to shore that create dangerous conditions at the coast, such as strong surf and rip currents, the hurricane center stated.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The foreign material could pose serious adverse health consequences, leading the FSIS to consider the recall a Class I—the agency's highest level of alert.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2025
  • And while the metal is usually excreted from the body, and most people experience no adverse side effects, previous research has shown some gadolinium particles have been left behind.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Jack: This is just a bad team that has occasionally had good days.
    The View from the Lane, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • What happened was my bad behavior and my angst brought the energy finally.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Harmful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harmful. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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