murderous

adjective

mur·​der·​ous ˈmər-d(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: having the purpose or capability of murder

a murderous machine gun

b

: characterized by or causing murder or bloodshed

a murderous dictator

2

: having the ability or power to overwhelm : devastating

murderous heat

murderously adverb

murderousness noun

Synonyms of murderous

• oppressive
• harsh
• searing
• brutal
• tough
• severe
• rough
• cruel
• hard
• grim
• inhuman

Examples of murderous in a Sentence

I can't stand this murderous heat.

The lead runner set a murderous pace.

Recent Examples on the Web

Orwell loathed Communism, especially the decades-long rule of Russia’s murderous dictator Joseph Stalin. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

Their murderous plot is foiled when two escaped prisoners and a guard crash the weekend. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026

Nor should Iran earn gold stars for supporting its murderous network of allies that includes Hamas and Hezbollah. —Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, Rosie is piecing together Sam’s true identity herself and learns of his murderous past. —Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

murderous

adjective

mur·​der·​ous ˈmərd-(ə-)rəs 

1

: intending or capable of causing murder or bloodshed : deadly

murderous machine-gun fire

2

: very difficult to bear or withstand

a murderous glance

murderous heat

murderously adverb