Definition of lethalnext

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 Lukehart, 53, is scheduled to die by lethal injection June 2 at Florida State Prison in Stark, according to the warrant. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026 According to the Army, this speed was made possible through the use of 3D printing for the warhead housing and the Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit (CLIK), which serves as a universal interface for attaching lethal payloads to various drone platforms. New Atlas, 4 May 2026 The same-day executions by lethal injection came about an hour and a half apart on Thursday, April 30. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 1 May 2026 James Ernest Hitchcock, 69, was put to death by lethal injection Thursday evening at Florida State Prison in Starke for the rape and murder of his brother’s 13-year-old stepdaughter nearly 50 years ago. Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lethal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal
Adjective
  • At least 18 people are currently under observation at two of the nation’s top medical centers after being potentially exposed to hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, the cruise ship at the center of the deadly outbreak.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 May 2026
  • Fifteen people jailed at Rikers died that year, the beginning of an uptick toward the deadliest annual figures in almost a decade.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Two Connecticut State Police troopers have been cleared in connection with a fatal shooting in Bozrah last August after the state Inspector General concluded that the armed woman who was shot was apparently trying to commit suicide by cop.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • The star died in 2009, at age 50, of cardiac arrest due to a fatal dose of propofol and other drugs.
    Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hydrangeas are poisonous to dogs and cats.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026
  • Restoring the balance of the humors through profusely bleeding the patient or inducing vomiting or diarrhea with the poisonous plant hellebore.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lethal. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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