# perniciously

**Pronunciation:** /pərˈnɪʃəsli/ · per-NISH-us-lee

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that causes great harm or ruin, often in a subtle, gradual, or stealthy manner.

## Examples

- The misinformation campaign spread perniciously across social media, slowly eroding public trust in the institution.
- Corrosion had perniciously weakened the bridge's structural supports long before the inspectors discovered the cracks.
- His habit of doubting his own abilities acted perniciously on his career, preventing him from ever applying for a promotion.

## Synonyms

- badly — A simple, general term for something negative.
- harmfully — Directly indicates the presence of damage.
- destructively — Focuses on the act of breaking or ruining something.
- insidiously — Emphasizes the stealthy, deceptive nature of the harm.
- deleteriously — A highly formal, academic term for causing harm.

## Antonyms

- beneficially — Acting in a way that provides help or advantage.
- harmlessly — Acting in a way that causes no damage.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/perniciously

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