Synonyms for

Kills

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

Definition

to cause the death of (a person, animal, or other living thing)

Synonyms & similar words

down killing defeat obliterate pop kill murders assassinates eliminates exterminates slaughters executes dispatches neutralizes terminates eradicates liquidates annihilates butchers massacres obliterates erases

Synonyms by register

Formal

terminates eliminates annihilates destroys

Informal

offs whacks offs ices

Literary

slays rends fells

Antonyms

saves rescues preserves revives spares protects heals

Common collocations

  • kills time
  • kills the mood
  • kills a bug
  • kills a career
  • kills the engine
  • kills the pain
  • kills the competition

Word family

noun killing
verb kill
adjective killing
adverb killingly

Usage note

The verb 'kill' is very common and can be used literally or figuratively. Be mindful of its strong, often violent connotation.

Compare "kills" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The hunter kills the deer for sport.
  2. The poison kills the ants in the kitchen.
  3. The disease kills many people every year.
  4. The soldiers kill the enemy to protect their country.
  5. The car accident could have killed us both.

Quotes

  • Hate kills, love heals.
  • Violence only kills hate, not love.
  • What does not kill me makes me stronger.

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