deathly

[deth-lee] / ˈdɛθ li /

ADJECTIVE

suggesting end of life

Synonyms

WEAK

appalling cadaverous corpselike deathlike defunctive dreadful gaunt ghastly grim gruesome haggard horrible macabre pale pallid wan wasted

Antonyms

WEAK

animated beginning benign blooming blossoming harmless healthful healthy life-giving lively strengthening

ADJECTIVE

fatal

Synonyms

WEAK

deadly extreme intense lethal mortal mortiferous noxious pestilent pestilential terrible

Antonyms

WEAK

animated beginning benign blooming blossoming harmless healthful healthy life-giving lively strengthening

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The atmosphere among those who came to mourn the tragedy was deathly quiet.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

Brad Jacobs, the billionaire CEO of building-products distributor QXO, devoted a chapter in his book to “electric meetings,” noting many gatherings are deathly dull and full of passive listeners.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

He could have been totally fine, or he could have gotten deathly ill.

From Salon • Aug. 16, 2025

When Charlie Hopkins thinks back to the three years he spent in one of America's most famous prisons, he remembers the "deathly quiet" the most.

From BBC • May 10, 2025

The bus lurched to a stop, and we were all forced to stay deathly still as the camp gate slid shut behind us.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken

deathly

Example Sentences

Related Words