Harmful synonym,synonyms of harmful

Here are some synonyms of "harmful" and an analysis of their meanings and usage:

Meaning: "Detrimental" means causing harm or damage. It often implies a negative impact on something's growth, development, or well - being. For example, "Excessive smoking is detrimental to your health."
Usage difference from "harmful": "Detrimental" is a more formal word and is often used in contexts where the negative effect is more serious or long - term. It emphasizes the idea of a setback or impairment. "Harmful" is a more general term and can be used in a wider range of situations, from minor to major harm.

Meaning: "Damaging" means causing physical damage or harm to something. It can refer to objects, relationships, reputations, etc. For example, "The hailstorm was highly damaging to the crops."
Usage difference from "harmful": "Damaging" is more focused on the aspect of causing actual damage, often in a visible or tangible way. "Harmful" has a broader meaning and can also include less - obvious forms of harm such as psychological or emotional harm. You can say a harsh word is harmful to a person's feelings, but a vandal's actions are damaging to property.

Meaning: "Injurious" means causing or likely to cause injury or harm. It is often used in a legal or medical context. For example, "The defective product was found to be injurious to consumers."
Usage difference from "harmful": "Injurious" has a stronger connotation of physical harm or injury. It implies a more direct connection to harm that affects the body or well - being. "Harmful" can cover a wider range of negative impacts, including those that are not strictly physical.

Meaning: "Pernicious" means having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. It implies a malicious or insidious quality. For example, "Pernicious rumors can destroy a person's reputation over time."
Usage difference from "harmful": "Pernicious" emphasizes the slow and often hidden nature of the harm. It gives the impression of something that is quietly and destructively working against a person or thing. "Harmful" is a more straightforward term and doesn't carry the same connotation of a sly or creeping harm.

Meaning: "Noxious" means harmful or poisonous. It is often used to describe substances, gases, or fumes that are dangerous to health. For example, "The noxious fumes from the factory were a cause for concern."
Usage difference from "harmful": "Noxious" is more specific to things that are toxic or have a negative impact on health. "Harmful" can refer to a broader range of negative effects, including non - toxic and non - health - related harm.