1
as in extinct
no longer existing
a stack of brochures and a few faded placards are all that remain of the defunct organization
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fallen
no longer living
a defunct species that we know only through fossil remains
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defunct
Discovery Land Company has submitted plans to turn a defunct ski area near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, into a private ski and golf resort.
—
Megan Michelson, Outside Online, 4 Apr. 2025
And when Herb arrives, he has not been told he’ll be joined shortly by the woman who broke his heart, the Mortimer half of the now-defunct duo, played by Carey Mulligan.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Martian rovers have previously spotted strange spheres before, including Curiosity and the now-defunct Opportunity.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
To Russian commanders in Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine, a defunct air defense command bunker—once associated with a Ukrainian air force S-300 missile battery—may have seemed like a safe location for a field headquarters.
—David Axe, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defunct
Megan Michelson, Outside Online, 4 Apr. 2025
And when Herb arrives, he has not been told he’ll be joined shortly by the woman who broke his heart, the Mortimer half of the now-defunct duo, played by Carey Mulligan.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Martian rovers have previously spotted strange spheres before, including Curiosity and the now-defunct Opportunity.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
To Russian commanders in Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine, a defunct air defense command bunker—once associated with a Ukrainian air force S-300 missile battery—may have seemed like a safe location for a field headquarters.
—David Axe, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defunct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defunct
Adjective
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Many employees may also stay put as a result, though some will still seek new opportunities—especially those in relatively stable fields like healthcare. VIDEO QUIZ Ancient DNA from a species that has been extinct for at least 10,000 years lives on once again in the form of three baby animals.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The dire wolf has been extinct for over 10,000 years.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow was popular enough that fans wanted a solo story, but the studio didn't bother to make it until her character was already dead in the major timeline, then skipped the theatrical release, which Johansson sued them about.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
19 Apr. 2025
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My frustration arose in the smaller tasks, a few dishes here, day-old coffee in the pot there, a small stack of mail on the countertop, dead leaves falling off a plant, and more.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Cybercriminals often exploit expired domains to impersonate brands or launch malicious campaigns.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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When demand eases like this, homes stay on the market longer and frustrated sellers end up with expired or withdrawn listings as a result.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But the supposedly deceased pachyderm turned out to be a yard sculpture toppled by the wind, Palm Springs police said in a Thursday, April 3, news release.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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The researcher team tested their model on rodents and organ donors from deceased individuals.—
Monica Cull,
Discover Magazine,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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So many firsts, gone, charred to ash, just remnants of an area that once represented Black prosperity and joy.—
Maya Richard-Craven,
Forbes,
13 Jan. 2025
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The original pioneers were mostly busy making non-hyperpop or gone: SOPHIE tragically died in 2021; 100 gecs spent years toiling to make their zany stadium-rock second album.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
3 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Defunct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defunct. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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