SENSELESSLY Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

senselessly

adverb

as in pointlessly

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 senselessly But Jameson is hardly the first family pet to senselessly perish at the hands of law enforcement officers who resort to deadly force far too quickly. — Vanessa Shakib, Oc Register, 23 July 2026 All the bad and all the good are gone, senselessly ripped away from them. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 Advertisement Rabbi Eli Schlanger was only 41-years-old when he was gunned down mercilessly, senselessly by terrorists. — Nikki Goldstein, Time, 20 May 2026 He was given a helping hand by Cody Gakpo senselessly turning his back. — James Pearce, New York Times, 16 May 2026 The Army has been senselessly thrown into chaos. — Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 In 2025, funding for both domestic and global HIV care and research was suddenly and senselessly slashed. — Michael Rose, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026 This law, one of hundreds of pieces of anti-trans legislation across the country senselessly targets the small minority of people who happen to be trans. — Darren Rosenblum, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026 Amid this slew of senselessly avoidant, irrational behavior, Duchovny’s performance emerges as the most credible. — Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for senselessly

Adverb

These conflicts may only occasionally draw in American military forces, but the chaos will consistently demand attention and pointlessly consume resources.

— MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Don’t be pointlessly inscrutable.

— Kim Scott, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026

Definition of pointlessly

Adverb

The department exists to preserve some semblance of equal justice in the United States — imperfectly, haltingly, often overbearingly for some and cautiously for others — and help ensure that the nation is governed by the rule of law.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Rather than suffering because leaders acted imperfectly, organizations often suffer because leaders waited too long to act at all.

— Irma Becerra, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of imperfectly

Adverb

Last year Lee was questioned by legislators after the audit found staffing shortages and process failures had left thousands of cases inadequately investigated, including serious injuries and deaths.

— Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Around the world, most caregivers are either uncompensated or inadequately compensated, and many rely on public assistance where available to make ends meet.

— Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of inadequately

Browse Nearby Words

senseless

senselessly

senselessness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Senselessly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/senselessly. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of senselessly

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes