deathly

adjective

death·​ly ˈdeth-lē How to pronounce deathly (audio)
Synonyms of deathlynext
1
: fatal
2
: of, relating to, or suggestive of death
a deathly pallor
deathly adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of deathly in a Sentence

A deathly silence filled the room. his deathly pallor suggested that any attempt to find a pulse would be futile
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Californians must rise and reclaim our Golden State from the deathly and devastating grip of endless bureaucratic cancer. — Stepheny Price, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025 For all of those thousands of collegiate Olympians past and present, the roar of the football crowd will be drowned out by the deathly silence of their shuttered programs. — Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deathly was before the 12th century

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deathly
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Cite this Entry

“Deathly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deathly. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

deathly

adjective
death·​ly ˈdeth-lē How to pronounce deathly (audio)
1
: causing death or destruction
2
: of, relating to, or suggestive of death
a deathly paleness
deathly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on deathly

Nglish: Translation of deathly for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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