Killer: meaning, definitions and examples

Can be used generally for someone or something that kills, not necessarily a person. It is neutral and can refer to animals, diseases, etc.

• The killer whale is known for its intelligence and strength
• The disease was a silent killer

Specific to someone who intentionally and unlawfully kills another person. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The police caught the murderer after a two-week manhunt
• She was afraid the murderer might come after her next

Typically used for someone who kills an important person for political or religious reasons, often in a secretive or stealthy manner.

• The assassin was hired to eliminate the political leader
• Medieval kings often had to protect themselves from assassins

Often used in a more dramatic or fantasy context, usually referring to someone who kills monsters or mythical beings. It has a heroic or legendary connotation.

• The knight was known as a dragon slayer
• In the stories, the vampire slayer protected the village from evil

This word has a more casual and sometimes edgy or intense tone. It can be used in informal settings to describe something very good or impressive.

• That was a killer performance!
• She's got a killer sense of style.

This word is often used in casual speech to describe something that inspires awe or admiration. It is popular in informal conversations.

• That concert was awesome!
• You did an awesome job cleaning up.

Use this word to describe something that causes great surprise or wonder. It is suitable for both formal and informal situations.

• The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely amazing.
• You did an amazing job on the presentation.

This word is suitable for both formal and informal settings. It is used to describe something that evokes admiration through quality, skill, or size.

• Her resume is impressive.
• The architecture of the building is really impressive.

Often used in a figurative sense to describe something exceptionally impressive or overwhelming. It can also mean someone who takes lives, and in this context, it has a very negative connotation.

• That was a killer performance at the concert!
• The detective was determined to catch the killer.

Used to describe something extraordinarily good or impressive. It emphasizes an experience or thing that is highly enjoyable or exceptional.

• The holiday in Greece was fantastic!
• She did a fantastic job on her project.

Used to describe something that stands out above the rest due to its excellence. Often used in formal contexts such as performance reviews or academic achievements.

• His grades have been outstanding this semester.
• The service at the hotel was outstanding.

Used to indicate something worthy of notice or extraordinary. Often implies that something is exceptionally good and out of the ordinary.

• Her ability to speak six languages is remarkable.
• It's remarkable how much progress we have made.