TERMINAL Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'terminal' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of terminal are final , last , and ultimate . While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development. // terminal phase of a disease

Q: When would 'final' be a good substitute for 'terminal'?

In some situations, the words final and terminal are roughly equivalent. However, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress. // final day of school

Q: When is it sensible to use 'last' instead of 'terminal'?

The meanings of last and terminal largely overlap; however, last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped. // last page of a book // last news we had of him

Q: Where would 'ultimate' be a reasonable alternative to 'terminal'?

The words ultimate and terminal can be used in similar contexts, but ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible. // the ultimate collapse of the system

terminal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtərm-nəl

Definition of terminal next

as in final

following all others of the same kind in order or time took me to the terminal point of that bus route

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lethal

likely to cause or capable of causing death a form of cancer that is usually terminal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

terminal

2 of 2

noun

as in depot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective terminal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of terminal are final, last, and ultimate. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

When would final be a good substitute for terminal?

In some situations, the words final and terminal are roughly equivalent. However, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When is it sensible to use last instead of terminal?

The meanings of last and terminal largely overlap; however, last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped.

last page of a book

last news we had of him

Where would ultimate be a reasonable alternative to terminal?

The words ultimate and terminal can be used in similar contexts, but ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible.

the ultimate collapse of the system

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 terminal

Adjective

Those in favor of the bill say such a law would relieve the unnecessary suffering of those with terminal illness and provide dignity and agency in a situation where the two are in short supply. —

David Hodari, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024 After a contentious hours-long debate, lawmakers in Britain on Friday, Nov. 29 voted to support a bill allowing people with a terminal condition and less than six months to live the choice of taking a substance to end their lives, the Associated Press reported. —

Eileen Finan, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Noun

Coach terminals in Vancouver, such as Pacific Central Station, are centrally located, providing easy access to hotels and the concert venue. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 The terminal is set to open in 2026 and will add passenger capacity of 19 million initially, along with a marketplace retail area covering around 65,000 square feet. —

Kevin Rozario, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terminal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal

Adjective

The decision in the final weeks of President Joe Biden's administration sets up a fight over the future of California's vehicle regulations.

David Shepardson, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
The final game was another sellout of 18,519, as Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a triple double—26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists.

Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 18 Dec. 2024