1
as in unfavorable
opposed to one's interests
all the adverse publicity really caused the movie star's popularity to suffer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detrimental
causing or capable of causing harm
the adverse effects of the drug are too severe to allow it to be marketed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adverse
For lots of people, any of these drugs may be an appropriate treatment, even after considering the possible adverse effects.
—
Thomas Goetz, STAT, 8 Jan. 2026
Many hominids went extinct during this period, and being able to consume alcohol without adverse and/or toxic effects would have conferred a survival advantage.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
While these plans can lead to quick weight loss, even short juice cleanses have been linked to potential downsides, including adverse effects on gut health.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Jan. 2026
In Texas, squatters can claim what is known as adverse possession, which allows someone to legally claim ownership of a property after a certain amount of time has passed.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adverse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adverse
Adjective
-
Just remember that Joe Biden’s administration had four years to open the files and disclose any possible news unfavorable to the Republicans.—
-
While 48% of the respondents who had heard of Talarico viewed him positively and 18% viewed him negatively, 48% of respondents familiar with Crockett had an unfavorable impression compared with the 40% who viewed her positively.—
Adjective
-
Rat poison, in Saban-speak, is what is detrimental to teams that start believing their hype and losing focus on the controllables like working as hard as possible every day.—
-
So did the first-round bye really prove to be that detrimental?—
Adjective
-
Researchers revealed that the high-voltage output facilitates the neutralization and collection of dust and moisture by generating negative ions.—
-
By the end of the year, the Gallup Economic Confidence Index, which measures views of the economy and its future, stood at a whopping negative 33, down nearly 20 points since spring.—
Adjective
-
Some harmful varieties closely resemble edible mushrooms, even to experienced foragers.—
-
On each phone, the lock screen image was a photo of a child who died young due to the harmful effects of social media.—
Adjective
-
Skepticism came easily to Trump, who had long been hostile to mainstream foreign policy.—
-
The helicopter the pilot was flying — a heavy, twin-rotor MH-47 Chinook — was struck by hostile fire during the operation.—
Adjective
-
Davis’ injury is the latest — and potentially most damaging — blow in a Mavericks season defined by attrition.—
-
After a damaging winter storm of rain, wind, and flooding, staff at Mountain High Resorts in Wrightwood have been working around the clock to prepare for reopening day on Saturday.—
Adjective
-
Pipes and sewers can be very dangerous for pets and wildlife and Roto-Rooter, with specialized equipment and personnel, has become a go-to call to save cats, dogs, turtles and more.—
-
Ole Miss has enough dangerous weapons in quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy and wide receivers Harrison Wallace III, De’Zhaun Stribling and Deuce Alexander to make a tired defense pay.—
Adjective
-
Iran is facing its worst drought in decades, raising fears of evacuations in Tehran while threatening the regime’s stability and nuclear ambitions, according to a leading environmental expert.—
-
Keeping bad things out of my body.—
Cite this Entry
“Adverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adverse. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share