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 Stephen Stanko’s attorneys told him that lethal injection would feel like drowning when a lethal dose of pentobarbital is injected into the inmate’s veins and there’s a rush of fluid into the lungs. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025 However, in the days to come, zoo officials faced mounting criticism for not trying to tranquilize the 17-year-old Western lowland silverback before using lethal force. Jillian Frankel, People.com, 28 May 2025 The Liberty’s offense has been lethal to start the season, leading the league in almost every offensive category. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 27 May 2025 The movie portrays violent, lethal manners of containment as a crude relic of the past. Todd Gordon, CNBC, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lethal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal
Adjective
  • While people who have had measles gain immunity, there can be risks and deadly consequences.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
  • The Los Angeles Police Department charged him with assault with a deadly weapon the next day after the rapper allegedly entered the wrong home while looking for his girlfriend and swung a hatchet at two people.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Selling bitcoin volatility into a bull market could prove fatal.
    Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Here's what to know about the rare, but often fatal, disease.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The last time fans saw her as Britt, she was attacked by a serial killer and died from his poisonous hook.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 June 2025
  • On July 29, 2023, Erin Patterson, 50, allegedly served her ex-husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, beef wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms, which resulted in their deaths.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lethal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lethal. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lethal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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