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.

Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases on Saturday and the Red Cross said three volunteers died in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, amid warnings the deadly virus could spread to several more African countries.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

Leo condemned "a deadly mix of obscure interests and indifference toward the common good, which has poisoned the natural and social environment".

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

Although less deadly than other Ebola species, the rarity of Bundibugyo means there are fewer tools to stop it.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The ongoing outbreak spread quickly before it was officially identified as a deadly Ebola strain by the WHO on May 15.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

This solution merely exchanged one deadly system for another.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

deadly

Example Sentences

Related Words