Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for deadly. Search instead for deadlo.
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.

But it is sharply satirical—not as funny as the early works of Evelyn Waugh, Aldous Huxley or the neglected Honor Tracy, but equally deadly in its critique of materialist society.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The announcement comes days after Rousseau apologized for recording an English-only video message in the aftermath of last week’s deadly crash at LaGuardia Airport.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

A deadly Air Canada runway crash in New York has drawn attention to a rising number of close calls.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

A second principle that limits when deadly force can legally be used is proportionality: Shooting someone is only justified when it is a proportional response to the perceived threat.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

It was easy to imagine two deadly eyes peering through the cracks in the wood.

From "I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980" by Lauren Tarshis

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