poisonous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “poisonous” is correct and usable in written English.
This word can be used to describe something that is filled with or contains a toxin, or something that is harmful or deadly. Example sentence: The berries in the field were poisonous and should not be eaten.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We want to bring a positive debate around why a bottle of milk is fine at 11.59pm and poisonous at 12.01," says Joseph.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It won't be defeated until we unite not just in condemning the acts of terrorism, which we all do, but in fighting the poisonous propaganda that the root cause of this terrorism somehow lies with us around this table, and not with them.

The Guardian

The prime minister, who warned of a "generational struggle" against a "poisonous and extremist ideology" that will last for the rest of his political lifetime, wrote: "I agree that we should avoid sending armies to fight or occupy.

The Guardian

By not understanding the likely levels of immigration we risk increasing the poisonous rhetoric and prejudice which leads to the destruction of all rational debate.

The Guardian

You don't hear the news, you don't hear what's going on," he told the Smithsonian magazine, which reported the team facing "poisonous snakes, killer bees and army ants".

The Guardian

More's description of him, laced with Tudor contempt for the physically imperfect – "little of stature, ill-fetured of limmes, croke-backed" – informed the lines Shakespeare gives to Queen Margaret, who calls him a "poisonous bunch back'd toad" and a "bottled spider".

The Guardian - Film

State records indicate that employees at a Houston area pesticide plant where a poisonous gas leak killed four workers in November may have been periodically exposed to the dangerous fumes for years.

The Guardian - Business

O'Flynn quit and apologised after claiming Farage had become "snarling, thin-skinned and aggressive" because he was surrounded by a "poisonous" inner circle.

The Guardian

Michael Gordon: The Age Julia Gillard has delivered the ultimate act of leadership and paid the ultimate price, ending the most poisonous, inglorious chapter in modern Labor Party history.

The Guardian

Certainly, when I arrived here to study in the 1980s – an NME-reading, leftie Smiths fan – I simply didn't believe the poisonous racism that I heard from fellow students.

The Guardian

While spouting the poisonous rhetoric of Hindu extremism, he has given big business whatever they want and kicked their opponents out of the way.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, such as ideologies or rhetoric, use "poisonous" to convey their damaging or corrupting influence. For instance, "poisonous rhetoric" suggests harmful and manipulative language.

Common error

Avoid using "poisonous" when "venomous" is more appropriate. "Poisonous" refers to ingested or absorbed toxins, while "venomous" describes toxins injected by animals.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "poisonous" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing something that contains or exudes poison. Ludwig AI examples show this usage in both literal contexts (e.g., "poisonous snakes") and figurative ones (e.g., "poisonous rhetoric").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poisonous" is a versatile adjective used to describe something containing or having the qualities of poison. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in both literal and figurative contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When writing, remember to differentiate "poisonous" from "venomous" and to consider alternative terms like "toxic" or "harmful" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its usage is prevalent across various authoritative sources, making it a valuable term for expressing danger or disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toxic

Replaces "poisonous" with a synonymous adjective, focusing on the presence of harmful substances.

venomous

Similar to "poisonous", specifically related to animals that inject toxins.

noxious

Indicates something harmful or unpleasant, often referring to gases or fumes.

deleterious

A more formal term for harmful, emphasizing a negative impact.

harmful

A general term for causing damage or injury.

lethal

Emphasizes the potential to cause death.

deadly

Similar to lethal, highlighting the fatal nature of something.

pernicious

Suggests a gradual or subtle harm.

injurious

Similar to harmful, but often used in a more formal or legal context.

destructive

Describes something that causes significant damage or ruin.

FAQs

How can I use "poisonous" in a sentence?

You can use "poisonous" to describe something containing a toxin or something harmful. For instance, "The berries were poisonous to humans", or "The politician spread poisonous ideas".

What's a good alternative to using "poisonous"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "toxic", "venomous", or "harmful".

What is the difference between "poisonous" and "toxic"?

"Poisonous" generally refers to substances that cause harm when ingested or absorbed, while "toxic" is a broader term for any substance that is harmful or deadly.

When is it appropriate to use "poisonous" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "poisonous" metaphorically to describe something that has a corrupting or destructive influence, such as "a poisonous atmosphere" or "poisonous rhetoric".