murderous
adjective
mur·der·ous
ˈmər-d(ə-)rəs 
1
a
: having the purpose or capability of murder
a murderous machine gun
b
: characterized by or causing murder or bloodshed
a murderous dictator
2
: having the ability or power to overwhelm : devastating
murderous heat
murderously
adverb
murderousness
noun
Examples of murderous in a Sentence
I can't stand this murderous heat.
The lead runner set a murderous pace.
Recent Examples on the Web
This is about the population that is stuck between a murderous criminal mafia that has taken over the country and, on the other hand, Israel and the United States, who follow their own interests.
—
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
The murderous heir won't inherit as a matter of law.
—Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Maduro is a murderous dictator who must face consequences for his brutal oppression of Venezuelans.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
Celie becomes increasingly fixated on the idea of having her own murderous affair, until nothing can stop her from pursuing her deadliest fantasies.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for murderous
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Cite this Entry
“Murderous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murderous. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids Definition
murderous
adjective
mur·der·ous
ˈmərd-(ə-)rəs
1
: intending or capable of causing murder or bloodshed : deadly
murderous machine-gun fire
2
: very difficult to bear or withstand
a murderous glance
murderous heat
murderously
adverb
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