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 Drug dealers have used platforms from YouTube to Telegram to sell lethal drugs like fentanyl to teenagers, fueling our nation's drug epidemic. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 But this is not just about Haliburton and Turner’s lethal combination. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 19 May 2025 The mantis immediately becomes obsessed with her, because duh; lethal hotties can sniff each other out. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 May 2025 Florida uses a three-drug cocktail for its lethal injection: a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Corrections Department. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lethal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal
Adjective
  • On May 29, Russia launched a series of deadly attacks across Ukraine, killing at least seven civilians.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to the loss of wildlife, collisions are also fatal to humans.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
  • Her father was charged A CT baby had fractures and injuries medical personnel say could have been fatal.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • From such small radioactive acorns do poisonous oaks grow.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • The attack, which only killed the bomber but could have been much worse, is an act worthy of perhaps the dumbest and most poisonous ideology on the planet right now.
    Rich Lowry, National Review, 19 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lethal. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lethal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!