LETHAL Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of lethal are deadly , fatal , and mortal . While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life. // lethal gas

Q: When is 'deadly' a more appropriate choice than 'lethal'?

The words deadly and lethal can be used in similar contexts, but deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death. // a deadly disease

Q: When could 'fatal' be used to replace 'lethal'?

Although the words fatal and lethal have much in common, fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction. // fatal consequences

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

While in some cases nearly identical to lethal , mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable. // a mortal wound

lethal

adjective

ˈlē-thəl

Definition of lethal next

as in deadly

likely to cause or capable of causing death we were lucky that the snake's venom wasn't lethal, and our friend turned out to be all right

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How does the adjective lethal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lethal are deadly, fatal, and mortal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

When is deadly a more appropriate choice than lethal?

The words deadly and lethal can be used in similar contexts, but deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When could fatal be used to replace lethal?

Although the words fatal and lethal have much in common, fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

When might mortal be a better fit than lethal?

While in some cases nearly identical to lethal, 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 lethal Latest Jimmy Butler, Pat Riley Heat Meeting Can't Fix What's Already Broken in Miami When healthy and engaged, the 6-foot-7 swingman remains a lethal force on both sides of the hardwood. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025 Just 2 milligrams of the synthetic opioid, which can be 50 times more potent than heroin, is considered a lethal dose. —

Nadia Lopez, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 The charges come nearly 10 months after Harper’s son, Kaden, died after ingesting a lethal drug cocktail, authorities said. —

Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025 Whereas, a lethal dose of fentanyl is roughly 2 mg. —

Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lethal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal

Adjective

Heading into his late 30s, Lil Joe has been a road warrior in an astonishing and sometimes harrowing life’s journey, gaining considerable recognition among his kind, which in the wild is having a tough time these days with Florida’s deadly waters.

— Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2025
Those feats, economists say, are even more impressive considering the nation was deep in the throes of a deadly, economy-scarring pandemic when Biden took office.

— Alicia Wallace, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025