Synonym Chooser

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
Adjective
  • But as Trump prepares to retake the White House Monday, Democratic leaders have highlighted other results that show November's losses are not fatal.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
  • There were 147 people killed in Kansas City last year, according to data maintained by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Seven-percent mortgages have been poisonous to homebuilders, and Horton was down 26% in the fourth quarter – in a rising market, at that.
    John Dorfman, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Social platforms are poised to become even more poisonous to their own users as a handful of outrageously rich and powerful men grapple with their own insecurities around masculinity and free speech.
    Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near lethal

Cite this Entry

“Lethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lethal. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lethal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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