Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fatal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fatal are deadly, lethal, and mortal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

When is it sensible to use deadly instead of fatal?

While the synonyms deadly and fatal are close in meaning, deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When would lethal be a good substitute for fatal?

The meanings of lethal and fatal largely overlap; however, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

When might mortal be a better fit than fatal?

The synonyms mortal and fatal are sometimes interchangeable, but mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable.

a mortal wound

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 fatal More than $7,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign, organized by the Hickman County Times on behalf of Main Street Media, to support the families of the victims of the fatal explosion. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 In recent years, the father of eight has made headlines in connection with fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the Rust movie set in October 2021. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 The role marks a return to voice work for the actor, who suffered a near-fatal snowplow accident in 2023. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 Cincinnati police are investigating a fatal shooting in Westwood. Jennifer Edwards Baker, Fox 19 Cincinnati, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fatal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatal
Adjective
  • Any such move before elections would likely be disastrous for Milei.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Finally, as ever, the potential for rash, impulsive decisions with disastrous long-term consequences is never out of mind with this franchise.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • McIlroy’s driver is typically his most lethal weapon.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Less than a month later, Skaggs died alone in a hotel room in Southlake, Texas, at the beginning of an Angels road trip of what was later determined to be a lethal combination of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mineral wealth such as gold offers one solution—though diverting labor and resources from more sustainable industries could prove catastrophic if prices suddenly drop.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
  • This event might have been quick and catastrophic, causing a misalignment of the protoplanetary disk with the star.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Islamabad — Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have flared in recent days with the exchange of deadly gunfire between the neighbors that has stoked fears of a wider conflict.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
  • That to-and-fro could be seen in the Taliban's response to the deadly earthquake, which was most devastating in the isolated mountains of the eastern Kunar province in late August.
    NPR, NPR, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As Yassir Zabiri flung his boot in the air, the ball bounced off the unfortunate Joshua Wynder and into his own net.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Tight end Orande Gadsden had a very unfortunate early fumble, resulting in a long touchdown run.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatal. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fatal

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