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
Crime, filth and a fire suppression system that doesn't work are putting hundreds of residents at mortal risk. Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 29 July 2026 The capacity to feel deeply, especially in the realm of love, is one of the most transcendently human experiences that mortal beings can have. Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Noun
The mortals would rather live in their own delusion than confront the magic that drifts among them. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 The family-friendly mythological comedy centers on eight ordinary mortals who must combine their wit and courage to outsmart formidable deities, earning the legendary status of the Eight Immortals. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mortal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mortal
Adjective
  • Though the year-plus-long story line also involved a replacement Batman proving far too lethal to be let loose on Gotham for long, and the original Batman going on a soul-searching quest, what most remember is Bane and Batman’s poor, poor spine.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • No, that's – the MMR vaccine is not a lethal vaccine, and it is offered in other countries, the measles, in particular, separately, like in Japan.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Rabies is a deadly virus that spreads to people from the saliva of infected animals, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Tropical Storm Moke is making its closest approach to Hawaii as the state braces for its second tropical threat in less than a week after deadly Hurricane Lala tore through parts of the islands.
    Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Things could be better, which goes without saying in the aftermath of a flu pandemic that has wiped out most of the planet’s human population, but the four principals here could also be dead, so there’s that.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The service got its name from the original Mechanical Turk, an 18th century chess-playing robot that was actually controlled by a human chess master.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Alice and Gemma really don’t seem to get along, and neither seems inclined to back down from their hostile postures.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The true target of the strike was Turkey, which has grown increasingly hostile toward Israel since the war in Gaza, and over its differing approach to Syria.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • One person died in Jelgava, central Latvia, when part of a building collapsed on Saturday, and others were injured across the country.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The person requested anonymity due to the sensitivity in speaking with foreign media.
    CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Many of those thought to have been involved in Shakur’s fatal shooting have since died.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Grayson, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder in October in the fatal shooting of Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had reported a possible prowler outside her Springfield-area home.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The male victim was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The driver of the Impala, 21-year-old Zachary Sikora from Van Buren Township, was pronounced dead at the scene.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Even dismissing the most extreme negative outcomes, consumers still stand to lose thousands if policymakers don’t act to reduce spending.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The sixth is to analyze failure types and to embrace any negative results.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mortal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mortal. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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