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Definition of mortalnext
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mortal

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective mortal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mortal are deadly, fatal, and lethal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable.

a mortal wound

When might deadly be a better fit than mortal?

While in some cases nearly identical to mortal, deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When is fatal a more appropriate choice than mortal?

The words fatal and mortal can be used in similar contexts, but fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

Where would lethal be a reasonable alternative to mortal?

In some situations, the words lethal and mortal are roughly equivalent. However, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

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 mortal
Adjective
In a device far too overused in this genre, an opening flashback indicates that Alice’s amateur investigation into where Tom went will put her in mortal danger. Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026 Crowe will portray a swordsman who mentors Cavill's Highlander, and Bautista will play an antagonistic immortal known as the Kurgen, while Gillan will star as Connor's very mortal wife. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
Over the course of 10 successful video games, Kratos vanquished mortals, creatures and gods alike. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026 Suddenly though, Artemis had to cut off this fling, because gods and goddesses were not supposed to have romances with mortals. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mortal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mortal
Adjective
  • Birmingham's Thomas Rainwater, the casino magnate and Broken Rock Reservation boss, will also feature heavily on Marshals alongside Mo (Mo Brings Plenty), his lethal right hand.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Though law enforcement agencies consider pepper spray less lethal, more research is needed to assess its safety.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Washington — The House of Representatives is set to consider whether a collision avoidance system that supporters say could have prevented last year’s deadly midair collision near Washington should be required on every plane in the US.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
  • That pause came six days after yet another judge vacated Williams’ lengthy sentence for the deadly 2001 shooting on the Santee campus, a decision that could clear the way for his release.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And the emails are, in fact, a fascinating map of elite (and human) temptation and corruption.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The motion closely mirrors how a human would brace, shift weight, and rise from the ground.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Bushey’s hostile behavior following his sister’s arrival caused Laurie and her mother to take several safety measures out of fear, such as removing knives from the home, changing the locks, and finally pursuing a restraining order against Bushey and taking steps to evict him, Pirrello said.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • As events are leaning toward David Ellison and Paramount prevailing in its $108 billion hostile-takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery, almost a dozen Republican state attorneys general are insisting that the federal government heavily scrutinize Netflix‘s bid for the iconic studio.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Her husband also works for the two-person business as its chief political strategist.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The general has said that any operation would be made all the more difficult by a lack of allied support, this person said, speaking like others on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
    John Hudson, Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • American Canyon police said the rider was not licensed to operate the motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the fatal collision.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The shooting drew national attention, leading prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump to visit with Belt-Stubblefield’s widow and to condemn the fatal shooting.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • When the smoke cleared, Luis, Kevin, and an innocent bystander, Miguel Angel Ramirez, were all dead.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2026
  • The bodies of the eight dead skiers remain on the icy mountainside because of the treacherous conditions, the sheriff’s department said.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Her outlook may not change, but right now the substance of your friendship — at least from your perspective — is all negative.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Her outlook may not change, but right now the substance of your friendship – at least from your perspective – is all negative.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mortal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mortal. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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