Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lethal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lethal are deadly, fatal, and mortal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

When is deadly a more appropriate choice than lethal?

The words deadly and lethal can be used in similar contexts, but deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When could fatal be used to replace lethal?

Although the words fatal and lethal have much in common, fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

When might mortal be a better fit than lethal?

While in some cases nearly identical to lethal, 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 lethal Whether that lethal combination continues moving forward, time will tell. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025 Yes, the Xenomorph circulatory system is filled with a lethal, extremely melty cocktail of sulphuric and hydrofluoric acid. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Even simple proposals, such as requiring DNA synthesis labs to screen for lethal pathogens, have failed in Congress. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 The prosecuting attorney for the 23rd Judicial District has ruled that two Cabot Police Department officers were justified in using lethal force in a May incident that didn't result in death or injury, the Arkansas State Police announced Tuesday. Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lethal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal
Adjective
  • The suspect in the deadly shooting Friday, Aug. 22 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit was taken into custody early Saturday morning, according to the Detroit Police Department.
    Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Both are incredibly venomous and deadly, but the Coral snake has more neurotoxic venom on a drop-for-drop basis.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Peacock 'Sharp Corner' This unsettling thriller features Ben Foster as a man who becomes overly obsessed with the fatal car crashes that happen at a sharp corner in the road in front of his new home.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The brother of an Indian truck driver charged in a fatal Florida turnpike crash has been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), officials announced on Thursday.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • They are known to be foraging predators with tentacles that hold highly poisonous stinging cells, used for both hunting and self-defense, explains the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • This is provided by vast data centers that burn through energy at rates comparable to small nations, creating poisonous emissions and noise pollution.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lethal. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lethal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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