1
as in harm
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 disadvantage
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
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 detriment
Produced by the band and inspired by the 2017 thriller First Reformed, the LP finds La Dispute grappling with a looming apocalypse, the detriments of technological evolutions, and the illusion of self-control.
—
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 May 2025
Cohen, who was fired after his name was published, sued for breach of contract and promissory estoppel, which is relying to one’s detriment on a promise.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025
Again, this is not explored, and to the film’s detriment.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2025
Like other Farhadi films, The Salesman puts masculinity under a microscope, showing how the male protagonists massage their pride to their families’ detriment.
—Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for detriment
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 May 2025
Cohen, who was fired after his name was published, sued for breach of contract and promissory estoppel, which is relying to one’s detriment on a promise.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025
Again, this is not explored, and to the film’s detriment.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2025
Like other Farhadi films, The Salesman puts masculinity under a microscope, showing how the male protagonists massage their pride to their families’ detriment.
—Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for detriment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detriment
Noun
-
Maryland’s jury system exists to carefully examine facts, assess harm and render just verdicts.—
Bruce M. Plaxen,
Baltimore Sun,
12 July 2025
-
The state’s compliance designation, however, does not negate the harm that Orange County Global has already caused for patients or the previous problems with its health care delivery practices, Siemers said.—
Scott Schwebke,
Oc Register,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Walking away entirely from UNEP would put us at a disadvantage.—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
As my colleague Hayley Smith reports, weakening the three agencies at the start of fire season puts California at a dangerous disadvantage.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Crocus, which can cause vomiting, bleeding, liver and kidney damage and breathing failure.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 July 2025
-
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the spotted lanternfly can cause damage, including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling and dieback to trees, crops, vines and other plants.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Crunching some numbers, that’s a seventh of the total $175 billion cost the White House administration has billed for the project — whose overall expense and viability lawmakers and analysts have repeatedly questioned — in a short stretch.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
4 July 2025
-
In addition to the tax cuts, businesses (employers) will be permitted to continue writing off equipment costs and expenses in the first year of purchase.—
Terina Allen,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
In 2001, the Ig Nobel Prize in medicine went to Peter Barss of McGill University in Canada for his 1984 survey of injuries due to falling coconuts in Papua New Guinea.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
-
The paralyzed store owner later died from his injuries.—
The Marshall Project,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detriment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detriment. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share