DEADBEAT Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

deadbeat

noun

ˈded-ˌbēt

Definition of deadbeat

as in slug

a lazy person he snapped instructions to the deadbeats who were standing around watching the work pile up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 deadbeat Andres was born in Cuba to a deadbeat alcoholic who beat him, according to his attorneys. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025 As half owner of that house, you are entitled to live in it without being berated by a deadbeat. — Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2025 As half-owner of that house, you are entitled to live in it without being berated by a deadbeat. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2025 The world’s biggest deadbeat has passed the begging bowl again. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deadbeat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadbeat

Noun

Home runs are king in the postseason, but that’s where Caminero comes in, with Liam Hicks, Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda also offering some slug.

— Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Trim back the dead foliage in fall to improve your garden’s appearance and prevent slug eggs from overwintering.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of slug

Noun

The South London artist channels Disney soundtrack tropes into claustrophobic strings and drones, while a handful of vocal tracks hint darkly at real-world family drama.

— Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
Sobyanin later reported 68 more drones targeting Moscow were downed during daylight on Tuesday morning.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of drone

Noun

At Malate Church in Manila, parishioners marked the feast by bringing their beloved pets for a special blessing — mostly dogs but also cats and even a pet snail.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
The inflatable horses, butterflies, snails and other creatures were made by the New York artist and designer Katie Stout.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of snail

Noun

Carl Sandburg’s 1927 American Songbag featured a whole section of hobo songs presenting the bum as a beau ideal.

— Caroline Fraser, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
The silhouette was heavily elongated, with three-quarter-length jackets and argyle knitwear that covered the bum.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of bum

Browse Nearby Words

dead

deadbeat

deadbeats

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“Deadbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadbeat. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deadbeat

noun

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