1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
I made the fatal mistake of sharing my secret with the office's biggest blabbermouth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
that snake's venom is fatal unless the victim is given the antidote almost immediately
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fatal
The number of non-fatal shootings in the Metro area decreased by 28%, from 362 in 2024 to 262 last year.
—
Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
The fatal shooting happened during a migrant crackdown in south Minneapolis, where Good was struck while inside her car.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Many Texas politicians and political organizations have issued statements following the fatal shooting of a woman by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis on Wednesday — though some of Texas' biggest political names have remained uncharacteristically silent.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
The fatal shooting Wednesday of a 37-year-old woman by a federal immigration agent during an operation in Minneapolis has sparked public outrage and protests across the country, including in California, where agents have been involved in some shootings.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fatal
Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
The fatal shooting happened during a migrant crackdown in south Minneapolis, where Good was struck while inside her car.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Many Texas politicians and political organizations have issued statements following the fatal shooting of a woman by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis on Wednesday — though some of Texas' biggest political names have remained uncharacteristically silent.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
The fatal shooting Wednesday of a 37-year-old woman by a federal immigration agent during an operation in Minneapolis has sparked public outrage and protests across the country, including in California, where agents have been involved in some shootings.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fatal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatal
Adjective
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The spotlight increased after a disastrous interview with CBS to promote the legendary coach’s book.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Second goal breaks Charlotte’s back The second half opened with a disastrous sequence for Charlotte.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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He’s sent to the deadly planet Genna, where every flora and fauna has evolved to be as lethal as possible, and given the seemingly impossible task of killing a fierce creature known as the Kalisk.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Nov. 2025
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How Nashville police got involved Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the department's specialized investigation unit saw a rise in violent crime two years ago, including non-lethal shootings and homicides connected to the MS-13 gang.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Minutes away from his position in Arcadia, reports indicated a fire had started in approximately the same place where, in 1993, another fire had brought about catastrophic consequences.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
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Stand looking out from the wide intersection of East Mariposa Street and Lake Avenue for one potent, representative view of Altadena a year after the catastrophic Eaton fire.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Burbank Police Department also shared a security camera video from the deadly shootout.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Their late concession of the winning penalty to Morgan Gibbs-White, above, was unfortunate.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Many unfortunate events were blamed on poison—the unexpected death of an enslaver or a slave, a spate of local deaths due to a virus or other disease, or problems on the plantation such as ill livestock or bad harvests.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatal. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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