Synonyms for

Deadly

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

Definition

likely to cause death

Synonyms & similar words

mortal virulent deucedly devilishly deathly madly insanely lifelessly pestilent lethal venomous pernicious baneful fatal lethal dead-threatening perilous mortal dangerous destructive harmful noxious poisonous toxic venomous

Synonyms by register

Formal

fatal lethal mortal terminal

Informal

killer wicked nasty bad

Literary

bane pestilential deathly

Antonyms

harmless safe innocuous nonlethal gentle mild

Common collocations

  • deadly sin
  • deadly serious
  • deadly weapon
  • deadly force
  • deadly nightshade
  • deadly accurate
  • deadly disease

Word family

noun deadliness
adverb deadly

Usage note

While 'deadly' can refer to something that causes death, it is also often used informally to mean extremely intense or serious, such as 'deadly serious' or 'deadly accurate'.

Example sentences

  1. The virus is deadly and spreads quickly.
  2. The poison is deadly to anyone who ingests it.
  3. The car accident was deadly and claimed two lives.
  4. The soldier used deadly force to protect his country.
  5. The scorpion's sting is deadly to its prey.

Quotes

  • The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle.
  • The deadliest foe of democracy is not autocracy but liberty frenzied.
  • The deadliest weapon against any man is another man.

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