Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

deathly

[deth-lee] / ˈdɛθ li /
ADJECTIVE
suggesting end of life
Synonyms
WEAK
appalling cadaverous corpselike deathlike defunctive dreadful gaunt ghastly grim gruesome haggard horrible macabre pale pallid wan wasted
Antonyms
WEAK
animated beginning benign blooming blossoming harmless healthful healthy life-giving lively strengthening
ADJECTIVE
fatal
Synonyms
WEAK
deadly extreme intense lethal mortal mortiferous noxious pestilent pestilential terrible
Antonyms
WEAK
animated beginning benign blooming blossoming harmless healthful healthy life-giving lively strengthening

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.

The atmosphere among those who came to mourn the tragedy was deathly quiet.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

Brad Jacobs, the billionaire CEO of building-products distributor QXO, devoted a chapter in his book to “electric meetings,” noting many gatherings are deathly dull and full of passive listeners.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

He could have been totally fine, or he could have gotten deathly ill.

From Salon • Aug. 16, 2025

As he struggled with a system, which aimed to preserve secrecy and deepen separation, he didn’t know about a deathly further dimension to the institutional inhumanity.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2025

His eyes did not leave the face of his friend and he was deathly pale.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.