1
as in harms
something that causes loss or pain
opponents of casino gambling claim that it is a detriment to society at large
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disadvantages
the negative result caused by something that creates difficulty for achieving success
the requirement that runners wear shoes for the race worked to his detriment since he was used to running barefoot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detriments
The three largest carriers all offer basic economy fares, with various benefits and detriments.
—
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
But other worries abound, a la O’Leary’s remarks about extras, to say nothing of broader cultural detriments like brain-draining our college students.
—Andy Crump, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
These candid and thoughtful conversations about potential scenarios and solutions allow partners to get on the same page and build healthy habits for the long run that can ultimately avoid the detriments of a divorce.
—Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
While many investors understand the risks associated with aggressive investing, few realize the long-term detriments that come with an overly conservative portfolio, especially when preparing for retirement.
—David Kudla, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detriments
Noun
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Restorative justice programs bring together survivors and offenders — via meetings or letters or through community panels — to try to deepen understanding, promote healing and discuss how best to make amends for a wide range of harms.—
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Modernizing infrastructure requires trade-off judgments; legal processes can’t determine whether, for example, the benefits of a transmission line outweigh the harms of cutting through a pristine forest.—
Noun
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The program performed extremely well across key demographics and platforms, despite industry and timing disadvantages, including a Tuesday air date two days before Christmas.—
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But lighting alone isn't enough to deter all criminals, and there are some disadvantages to leaving the lights blazing all night long.—
Noun
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The changes then alter the distribution of species and damages ecosystems such as reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and kelp forests.—
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The situation might end up costing taxpayers as motorists file claims for damages with the city.—
Noun
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Liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage you, the driver, cause to others during an accident.—
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The agent, who suffered injuries to his arm and hand, fired his Taser at the man during the encounter, records show.—
Cite this Entry
“Detriments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detriments. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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