nonfatal

adjective

non·​fa·​tal ˌnän-ˈfā-tᵊl How to pronounce nonfatal (audio)
Synonyms of nonfatalnext
: not causing death : not fatal
nonfatal infections
a nonfatal wound

Examples of nonfatal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Mayor Quinton Lucas said that nonfatal shootings had dropped by roughly 30 percent in 2025 when compared to 2024. Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026 That same night, an Oakland rapper known as Zaygottawinn, also an alleged Funktown associate, was arrested while allegedly running from a nearby nonfatal shooting on Foothill Boulevard where 35 rounds were fired, but no one was hit, according to authorities. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026 Homicide and nonfatal shooting totals fell again in 2023, but the city was roiled by robbery and carjacking crews responsible for an overall uptick in violence. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026 Officials also report declines in nonfatal shootings, vehicle thefts, and overall crime citywide. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonfatal

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonfatal was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Nonfatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonfatal. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

Medical Definition

nonfatal

adjective
non·​fa·​tal -ˈfāt-ᵊl How to pronounce nonfatal (audio)
: not fatal
nonfatal infections

More from Merriam-Webster on nonfatal

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