Definitions

deadly

[ded-lee] / ˈdɛd li /

ADJECTIVE

causing end of life

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bloody carcinogenic cruel dangerous destructive fatal harmful lethal malignant mortal murderous noxious pernicious poisonous savage suicidal toxic violent virulent

WEAK

baleful baneful bloodthirsty cannibalistic death-dealing deathly deleterious destroying grim homicidal injurious internecine killing mortiferous pestiferous pestilent pestilential ruthless slaying unrelenting venomous

Antonyms

STRONGEST

benign calm gentle harmless healthy helpful kind life-giving nice nonpoisonous wholesome

WEAK

animating energizing healthful invigorating lively

ADJECTIVE

ghostly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ghastly

WEAK

ashen corpselike dead deadened deathful deathlike deathly pallid wan white

Antonyms

WEAK

animating energizing harmless healthful healthy invigorating lively wholesome

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.

While COVID-19 was airborne and far more contagious, he guesses hantavirus is 50 times more deadly.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

More morbidly, health experts note, the Andes virus is also too deadly for it to spread rapidly in a pandemic situation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

A US judge dropped criminal charges against Boeing in 2025 over the deadly crashes as part of an agreement between the company and prosecutors.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Thrust back into the front line by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, infectious disease experts have to balance informing the public about its potential risks without provoking undue fear of a Covid-scale pandemic.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

When I started researching her story, I had one question: How did she have the courage to stand up for the working poor against such huge and deadly odds?

From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell

deadly

Example Sentences

Related Words