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

Example 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

One is his aunt, who raised him after the deaths of his parents, and who has come to a city hospital to be treated for what may be terminal cancer. —

Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 Physicians contend daily with the gravest manifestations of human frailty—cancer, paralysis, and terminal illness to name just a few. —

Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Noun

Follow more of our reporting on An inside look at Miami Travel A Florida airport just opened a one-airline terminal with 3 restaurants and a pet room January 16, 2025 11:31 AM Food This luxury rooftop restaurant is finally ready to open on Miami Beach. —

Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2025 The terminal is still at comfortable temperature levels. —

Ross Levitt, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for terminal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal

Adjective

There were 18 matches, 64 goals, three hat-tricks and plenty of drama on the final day of the new-look league phase of the Champions League.

— Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025
The exact cause of the fire, which killed 17 people and destroyed more than 9,000 homes and businesses, remains under investigation, and a final determination could take many months.

— Ivan Penn, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025