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 President Donald Trump has pulled the U.S. out of the World Health Organization, which pulled all the wrong levers during COVID-19 and then covered up its lethal errors and lies. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 25 July 2025 The situation, as described in court records by two other witnesses living in the couple’s house, checked nearly every risk factor for lethal domestic violence on a screening tool used by police agencies in Milwaukee County. Ashley Luthern, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025 Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes in the extreme heat. Katie Wiseman, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 July 2025 The ruling came following a three-day hearing in which experts on both sides testified as to how Black's heart device would react under lethal injection. Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lethal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal
Adjective
  • The clinic helps prevent the spread of this deadly disease in the U.S.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
  • The man faces five criminal charges including unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Simmons said very few improvements have been made to the highway, even as the fatal accidents continue to happen.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025
  • The 2024 case was not fatal, health department spokesperson Kimberly Harry indicated on July 28.
    Christina Hall, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Gastroenteritis is a good reason to refrain from consuming cocaine, various heavy metals or poisonous mushrooms.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Then his heart beat its last, and the poisonous moth embraced him.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lethal. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lethal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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