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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.

After war broke out following Hamas's deadly attacks on Israel in October 2023, many displaced Christians moved into the church.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

As commercial hives across the United States struggle to survive attacks from deadly parasites, a distinct hybrid bee found in this region is showing a surprising ability to endure.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

At the time, community leaders had asked Bass to increase security in the area following the deadly home invasion and a string of other break-ins.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

The Southern California property survived the deadly January 2025 wildfires with only minimal damage to the backyard.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

But when supplies ran low and deadly epidemics of yellow fever, cholera, and typhus swept through the besieged town, some of the sick, starving refugees were forced out.

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