Definitions

adverse

[ad-vurs, ad-vurs] / ædˈvɜrs, ˈæd vɜrs /

ADJECTIVE

unfavorable, antagonistic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conflicting detrimental disadvantageous inimical injurious negative unfortunate unfriendly

WEAK

allergic to contrary down on down side have no use for inopportune opposed opposing opposite oppugning ornery reluctant repugnant stuffy unlucky unpropitious unwilling

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantageous assisting beneficial friendly good helpful kind nice

WEAK

aiding auspicious favorable fortunate lucky propitious

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Adverse effects depend on the level of lead in the food, the age of the consumer and the frequency of exposure.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

Adverse weather is also exacerbating flight conditions, with Detroit Metropolitan, Minnesota-St.

From Barron's • Nov. 9, 2025

Adverse events leading to permanent discontinuation occurred in 6.9% of participants on semaglutide and 5.9% of those on placebo.

From Science Daily • Nov. 6, 2025

The review was triggered when the diagnoses of three women were investigated as a Serious Adverse Incident.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2024

Adverse implies hostility or opposition, and usually characterizes a thing or an action.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Vocabulary lists containing adverse

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300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

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30 GRE Words Beginning with "A"

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