DEADWOOD Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

deadwood

noun

ˈded-ˌwu̇d

Definition of deadwood

as in debris

discarded or useless material much of the material in the file cabinets is just deadwood

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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 deadwood When removing any deadwood, cut just above the branch collar. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 18 Jan. 2026 The pyre was probably built by collecting and assembling at least 30 kilograms of deadwood and grass, which would have required considerable community effort. — ArsTechnica, 5 Jan. 2026 Trying to talk sense into him would be useless, however, so a wounded Leroy hands off the dagger to Will and gives him instructions on where to bury it, reasoning that Will and his friends will be able to get to the deadwood without the military spotting them. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025 With Rich's ghostly helping hand, Will, Lilly, Ronnie, and Marge are able to plant the dagger in the deadwood's roots, re-lock the cage, and send It back into one of its 27-year hibernation periods. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deadwood

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadwood

Noun

Avon Street remains closed from Merriman to Niagara Street as crews clear the roadway of debris.

— Elle Meyers, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
However, throwing it back over the fence could create another dispute, particularly if doing so amounts to dumping debris on your neighbor’s property.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of debris

Noun

The growing garbage fire has warped a landfill hillside, which could potentially trigger and avalanche of garbage and leachate.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
In the third, Brock Boeser and Jamie Oleksiak scored what seemed like garbage-time goals.

— Thomas Drance, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of garbage

Noun

The danger can begin when a battery is placed in a trash or recycling bin, Klein said.

— Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 28 Oct. 2026
The rats tear open trash bags and seem to resist mitigation efforts, including poison, peppermint spray and even freezing trash until collection day.

— Joe Brandt, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of trash

Noun

In-store events also offer shoppers the chance to gather and make something by hand—from personalized ornaments to holiday junk journals.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 26 Oct. 2026
Such small pieces of junk are also impossible to track and therefore avoid.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of junk

Browse Nearby Words

deadweights

deadwood

deafening

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“Deadwood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadwood. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deadwood

noun

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