as in harmful
causing or capable of causing harm
the pernicious effects of illegal narcotics on society
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Recent Examples of pernicious
America’s pernicious relationship with Haiti comes to a head once more this week.
—
Ruth Jean-Marie, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
The metallic sheets cannot stop the damage Echard seeks to impose on her canvases, much like those tinfoil hats that some use in confused, futile efforts to shield themselves from pernicious invisible forces.
—Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
This index is the first to go in a tough tape created by a pernicious bond market; higher rates are a small-cap anathema.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Tariffs are particularly pernicious tax hikes and are now the cornerstone of Republican economic policy.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pernicious
Ruth Jean-Marie, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
The metallic sheets cannot stop the damage Echard seeks to impose on her canvases, much like those tinfoil hats that some use in confused, futile efforts to shield themselves from pernicious invisible forces.
—Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
This index is the first to go in a tough tape created by a pernicious bond market; higher rates are a small-cap anathema.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Tariffs are particularly pernicious tax hikes and are now the cornerstone of Republican economic policy.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pernicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pernicious
Adjective
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The same jury acquitted Lopez of more than a dozen other charges and hung on five counts of sending harmful material to a minor.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
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While the video amused viewers, experts warn that repeatedly hitting the snooze button can be harmful.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Community members and city leaders say the combination of narrow streets, heavy foot traffic and frequent parking maneuvers can create dangerous conditions.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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Assault with a dangerous weapon on a person 60 or older.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Importantly, there was no detrimental effect on strength or durability from the additives.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
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However, a full recovery is unlikely in the near term, meaning many detrimental impacts could persist, or even intensify, through the rest of the year.—
Daniel Manzo,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On April 4, a cold front heading east will bring risks of hail, heavy rain and damaging winds from Texas to southwestern New York, AccuWeather reported.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
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The tornadoes ranged in intensity from EF-0 to EF-3, damaging or destroying numerous homes and businesses, overturning vehicles and causing widespread power outages.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The most common adverse events were falls and muscle weakness, which overlap with ALS symptoms.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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When you're stressed or angry, your cortisol levels rise, which can have adverse effects on your heart, metabolism, and immune system.—
Sharon Basaraba,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pernicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pernicious. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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