Synonyms for

Dead

Verb / ded / Another word for dead — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not alive; no longer living

Synonyms & similar words

utter stagnant beat idle abruptly absolutely perfectly utterly live drained alive numb short suddenly bushed deadened living allin lifeless deceased expired departed gone lost extinct inanimate still motionless lifelessly unresponsive inactive nonexistent vanished dispirited defunct spiritless unanimated cold

Synonyms by register

Formal

deceased lifeless expired vanished

Informal

gone kaput toast worm food six feet under

Literary

departed slain undone eternal

Antonyms

alive living animate active breathing conscious vital

Common collocations

  • dead end
  • dead silence
  • dead tired
  • dead serious
  • dead giveaway
  • dead body
  • dead heat
  • dead center

Word family

noun death
adjective dead
adverb deadly

Usage note

While 'dead' can be used informally, it is often considered blunt or insensitive. Formal contexts may prefer 'deceased' or 'expired'.

Example sentences

  1. The flowers are dead because they weren't watered.
  2. The bird is dead because it hit the window.
  3. The batteries are dead and need to be replaced.
  4. The tree looks dead in the winter, but it will grow leaves again in the spring.
  5. The fish is dead because it's not moving.

Quotes

  • The fear of death is more to be dreaded than death itself. - Publilius Syrus
  • I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens. - Woody Allen
  • Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time... It tells us to tell each other right now that we love each other. - Leo Buscaglia

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