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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
Pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs, is the deadliest form of the disease. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025 The flood happened early morning on July 4, when heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise at a deadly speed. Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 12 July 2025
Adverb
Air India last suffered a crash this deadly in 2010, when 158 people were killed after one of its jets overshot a runway in southern India. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 Jack’s suits were deadly serious; beyond seeing him safely through the social perils of his Princeton education, the clothes carried him into the most rarefied echelons of American and British society. Cree Lefavour, New York Times, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for deadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadly
Adjective
  • The ruling came following a three-day hearing in which experts on both sides testified as to how Black's heart device would react under lethal injection.
    Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 19 July 2025
  • Cyanide—painful, lethal, and surprisingly quotidian—was not the only darkroom risk.
    Anika Burgess July 17, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • The sheer number of workers who are undocumented immigrants make the effect of widespread raids more pronounced.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 21 July 2025
  • In a picture at a piano, Alexa wore a pink, sheer dress that opened at her stomach, signifying that the couple was expecting a girl.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • One day, every century, Death takes on a mortal form and walks among humans, better to understand them.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 24 July 2025
  • The occupants inside all three vehicles suffered mortal injuries and died at the scene, Hebler said.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
Adverb
  • It’s coated in a thin layer of real gold – not just to look fancy, but because gold reflects infrared light extremely well.
    Adi Foord, Space.com, 26 July 2025
  • The Jacksonville Jaguars made an extremely aggressive move in the 2025 NFL Draft.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Priya allegedly injected her business partner with a fatal overdose of sedatives, Joseph said.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • Most of Red’s acquaintances are drug-addicted and on the edge of a fatal overdose; Red is essentially alone in his efforts to save himself, except for Gulbransen, who is part doctor, part social worker, part father figure, part friend.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nonetheless, my hopeful response to my own question is that the transformed form of nature can also be the subject of humanity’s unconditional love.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 10 July 2025
  • The unconditional love a therapy dog provides when visiting those battling an illness can be that source of hope.
    Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Exposure to dead animals or eating contaminated bushmeat are other risk factors, but these concerns are rare for the average tourist.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • Within months, however, Carter’s financial backer Lord Carnarvon was dead from a mysterious illness.
    Justin Stebbing, JSTOR Daily, 24 July 2025
Adverb
  • Sour Strawberry Candy Belts These sour straws are almost too chewy, but incredibly satisfying.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 July 2025
  • This particular trick works incredibly well for window and standing air conditioners, since their output is already focused in a single area of the home.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadly. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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