terminal 1 of 2

Definition of terminalnext

terminal

2 of 2

noun

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

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
What terminal security is open at PHL? Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026 To access the private terminal PS offers, annual memberships cost $1,250 and up. Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
Take over Iran's major oil export terminal on Kharg Island? Jim Edwards, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 On the satellite side, a compact optical terminal transmits the data downlink as a focused laser beam, typically at a wavelength around 1550 nanometers. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal
Adjective
  • The only trick now is for the league to get a team to the final Monday night of the season and actually cut down the nets.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • This is typically the final stage of testing before a drug can be submitted for regulatory approval.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If an individual’s core temperature stays above 104 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 30 minutes, the result can be lethal.
    Brad Stulberg, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • At Blackburn Rovers, Shearer was lethal, scoring more than 30 league goals in three successive campaigns.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Smoke rises after an Iranian drone attack Wednesday on a fuel depot at Kuwait International Airport.
    Jiachuan Wu, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Broncos hope a new stadium is ready to open in 2031, along with commercial and housing development on Burnham Yard, a train depot dating to 1871.
    Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
  • The shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • State inspectors had never once visited the Esparto facility before the deadly blast; that responsibility fell only to local authorities, until now.
    Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Are all fungi dangerous or deadly?
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Despite being bothered by his elbow throughout the 2025 campaign, Rodón enjoyed his best season with the Yankees last year.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • More recently, in a case from Tennessee, the Supreme Court ruled last year that states can ban gender affirming care for minors, including surgeries, puberty blockers and hormone treatments.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That is the highest-level designation for severe accidents, placing it alongside the fatal Challenger (1986) and Columbia (2003) shuttle disasters in terms of gravity.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The cause of that fatal accident remains under investigation.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Other alternatives such as offering a seller credit to cover potential post-closing assessments or adjusting the purchase price to reflect the risks of such costs are also being employed.
    Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
  • Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to be available to consumers under distinct brands post-closing, with Hulu continuing to be available in the larger Disney bundle.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Terminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terminal. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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