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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 As the investigation continues, officials said that alcohol may have played a part in the fatal collision, according to the reports. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025 While it is considered safe, unapproved injections or counterfeit injections can come with serious side effects, including botulism, which can be fatal. Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 In recent years, scientists have been able to identify many cytokines and create targeted therapies for a host of disabling, sometimes fatal, diseases. Jason Liebowitz, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025 Three people — a 32-year-old, a 50-year-old and a 36-year-old — were taken to hospitals for non-fatal injuries. Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fatal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatal
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Drone footage showed catastrophic flooding that turned streets into rivers, submerged homes and overturned cars as Typhoon Kalmaegi, known locally as Tino, dumped more than a month’s worth of rain in only 24 hours in some areas.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • However, this approach defeats the primary purpose of insurance, which is to protect against catastrophic costs in the event of an unexpected medical crisis.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The section of the Guadalupe River where the camp is located has long been prone to deadly flash flooding.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2025
  • The deadliest assault on a school occurred in 2014 when Taliban gunmen killed 154 people, mostly children, at an army-run school in Peshawar.
    NPR, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Liverpool were competitive in the first half, and perhaps unfortunate to see Virgil van Dijk’s equaliser ruled out for interference from an offside position, but City pressed home their advantage through the brilliance of left-winger Jeremy Doku.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The story takes place at a grand country house where the guests have an unfortunate habit of dying, or nearly dying, under seemingly unrelated circumstances.
    Anna Russell, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatal. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fatal

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