as in deadly
likely to cause or capable of causing death
we were lucky that the snake's venom wasn't lethal, and our friend turned out to be all right
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Recent Examples of lethal
Exports of lethal weapons are now allowed under a new policy.
—
ABC News,
29 June 2026
Over a decade, more than 1,000 people have died across the country after police subdued them through means not intended to be lethal, such as physical holds, Tasers and body blows, an investigation led by The Associated Press found.
—
Hannah Fingerhut,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
But the movie never seems to have a grip on its hero’s moral code; despite urging Ruthye not to kill the villain, Kara’s outlook on her own use of lethal force remains frustratingly vague.
—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Immediately following Spencer's statement, the lethal drugs began flowing.
—
Cbs Miami Team,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lethal
ABC News,
29 June 2026
Over a decade, more than 1,000 people have died across the country after police subdued them through means not intended to be lethal, such as physical holds, Tasers and body blows, an investigation led by The Associated Press found.
—
Hannah Fingerhut,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
But the movie never seems to have a grip on its hero’s moral code; despite urging Ruthye not to kill the villain, Kara’s outlook on her own use of lethal force remains frustratingly vague.
—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Immediately following Spencer's statement, the lethal drugs began flowing.
—
Cbs Miami Team,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lethal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal
Adjective
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At the same time, vaccination rates have declined, worrying experts that more people could become vulnerable to this potentially deadly but preventable infection.
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The suspect, who has not yet been identified by police, was arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of 22-year-old Nasir Majied on Friday, June 5.
Adjective
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The fatal hit-and-run occurred less than two hours after a 13-year-old boy was killed riding on the back of a moped in Queens after his friend slammed into an open car door and then careened into a moving truck.
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The highest number of fatal attacks, the study found, occurred after high-risk behaviors, including deliberately entering waterways known to contain alligators.
Adjective
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The cane toad, also known as the bufo toad or the marine toad, is known for the large, poisonous glands behind its eyes that secrete toxins when it’s touched.
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Berlin — Authorities across Germany have been battling an aggressive outbreak of poisonous caterpillars, which can cause severe health issues and have led to the closure of parks and other outdoor spaces, including in Berlin.
Cite this Entry
“Lethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lethal. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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