LIFE-AND-DEATH Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

life-and-death

adjective

variants also life-or-death

Definition of life-and-death

as in crucial

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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 life-and-death Digital advances also raise pressing questions about the ethics of outsourcing life-and-death decisions to machines. — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026 The life-and-death rescue played out on a narrow suspension cable above shocked motorists, pedestrians and the gleaming water below the bridge. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026 For our hunter-gatherer ancestors, getting enough of these critical nutrients was a daily life-and-death struggle. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 The life-and-death stakes were raised when the former high school series jumped five years to show a now-young adult Rue becoming a drug mule and working for rival kingpins (Martha Kelly’s Laurie also took her own life in the finale). — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for life-and-death

Recent Examples of Synonyms for life-and-death

Adjective

But anyone who’s yet to see the earlier series need not fret; while Seven Havens makes reference especially to Korra, any crucial details are reestablished within a narrative that’s set nearly two centuries later and stands largely on its own.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
While Saudi Arabia has considerable military capabilities, experience in Yemen, and powerful allies like Pakistan and Türkiye, active US backing remains crucial, both strategically and politically.

— Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of crucial

Adjective

Lukas Dostal made 12 saves, stopping just six of 11 shots in the decisive middle period before being replaced to start the third.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Public confidence will play a decisive role in the growth of fusion power.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of decisive

Adjective

The fundamental difference that distinguishes this effective use of airpower lies in the objectives that the enemy was seeking to achieve.

— Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
But many investors remain optimistic in the stock market, as its resilience over the last four years reflects strong fundamental earnings amid the AI build-out — though picking the winners may get trickier.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of fundamental

Adjective

The critical need for a crisis communications plan, regardless of the size of your business.

— Janelle Ash , Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
If a critical variable exceeds an allowable limit, the safety function overrides the control system regardless of why the controller made its decision.

— Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

Per Degroote, who’s been in the unscripted business for over two decades, one of the key ingredients for a format’s success today lies in audience participation.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
As online shopping has become an economic behemoth — Amazon reported over $716 billion in profits in 2025 — logistics centers have become a key component of their success, said Ellie Falcone, a professor of supply chain management at TCU.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of key

Adjective

But the pueblo blanco of Casares makes a good day trip, though meals are on the basic side in the town’s restaurants and cafes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

Its produce is pivotal in curbing supply-side inflation domestically, and the country ranks among the top global exporters of rice and sugar.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
There’s the recurring omission of pivotal moments — in the last two weeks alone, Mae’s death happens offscreen, as does everyone finding out about it — which is less vexing with tough scenes than joyous ones.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of pivotal

Browse Nearby Words

life

life-and-death

lifeblood

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“Life-and-death.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/life-and-death. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of life-and-death

adjective

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