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
Meanwhile, the same villain plants a lethal dart right into the heart of Krypto, a moment that places the pooch at death’s door unless the antidote needed to save his life can be retrieved within 72 hours.
—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
24 June 2026
Jim wanders the city and teams up with a tough survivalist, Selena, a lethal widower Frank and his daughter Hannah.
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Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
24 June 2026
The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in El Paso County ruled the shooting was justified because Wallick believed the young man was going for a gun and that a Taser or a less-lethal response would be inadequate.
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Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
24 June 2026
In 2015, he was even held in a cell next to Oklahoma’s execution chamber, waiting to be strapped to a gurney and die by lethal injection.
—
ABC News,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lethal
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
24 June 2026
Jim wanders the city and teams up with a tough survivalist, Selena, a lethal widower Frank and his daughter Hannah.
—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
24 June 2026
The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in El Paso County ruled the shooting was justified because Wallick believed the young man was going for a gun and that a Taser or a less-lethal response would be inadequate.
—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
24 June 2026
In 2015, he was even held in a cell next to Oklahoma’s execution chamber, waiting to be strapped to a gurney and die by lethal injection.
—
ABC News,
23 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 attack came 16 days later.
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Detectives identified James Goodman, 39, and Devinae Mitchell, 26, both of Hercules, as suspects in the fatal shooting, police said.
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 26 Jun. 2026.
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