FATAL Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'fatal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fatal are deadly , lethal , and mortal . While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction. // fatal consequences

Q: When is it sensible to use 'deadly' instead of 'fatal'?

While the synonyms deadly and fatal are close in meaning, deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death. // a deadly disease

Q: When would 'lethal' be a good substitute for 'fatal'?

The meanings of lethal and fatal largely overlap; however, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life. // lethal gas

Q: When might 'mortal' be a better fit than 'fatal'?

The synonyms mortal and fatal are sometimes interchangeable, but mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable. // a mortal wound

fatal

adjective

ˈfā-tᵊl

Definition of fatal next

as in disastrous

bringing about ruin or misfortune I made the fatal mistake of sharing my secret with the office's biggest blabbermouth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lethal

likely to cause or capable of causing death that snake's venom is fatal unless the victim is given the antidote almost immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fatal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fatal are deadly, lethal, and mortal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

When is it sensible to use deadly instead of fatal?

While the synonyms deadly and fatal are close in meaning, deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When would lethal be a good substitute for fatal?

The meanings of lethal and fatal largely overlap; however, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

When might mortal be a better fit than fatal?

The synonyms mortal and fatal are sometimes interchangeable, but mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable.

a mortal wound

Examples 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 fatal In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems can occur. —

Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024 Years later, Boeing has seen two fatal accidents and multiple high-profile mechanical mishaps. —

Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Shuffling one’s genome is usually fatal business, but some cells might land on a workable combination by chance. —

Quanta Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 But if the attack on Jimmy was fatal, that screws everything up. —

Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fatal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatal

Adjective

Meanwhile, Biden’s refusal to exit the 2024 presidential race after a disastrous initial debate performance in June kicked off a whirlwind season that gave rise to Harris.

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
That unease burst into the open after Biden’s disastrous June debate performance against Trump.

Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024