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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
All to say that Dead & Company's final show of a three-night stand in Golden Gate Park Sunday, Aug. 3, was nothing less than a reaffirmation that what the original quintet forged with spirited abandon is likely to live on well past any mortal expiration dates. Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025 When droughts hit, elephants have no choice but to share water resources with humans, despite knowing all too well that people equal mortal danger. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
The sitcom, celebrating the seriously spooky family living among mere mortals, starred John Astin as Gomez Addams, Carolyn Jones as Morticia Addams, Jackie Coogan as Uncle Fester, Ted Cassidy as Lurch and Lisa Loring as Wednesday Addams. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 2 July 2025 Her portrayal of Diana gives this Amazonian princess the proper regal bearing, but Gadot proves to have a wonderfully wry sense of humor as the character continues to be amazed at how weird male mortals are. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mortal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mortal
Adjective
  • Whether that lethal combination continues moving forward, time will tell.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Her blend of bombshell and backlash is near lethal catnip for producers.
    Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Police chases in Milwaukee have become increasingly deadly Police pursuits are so frequent, Milwaukee officers engage in between two and three every day, according to a city report in 2024.
    JR Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Malaria, the most deadly parasite infection in the world, is most commonly caused by the protozoa parasite Plasmodium falciparum.4 Ectoparasites: These parasites usually live on (not in) their host.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The company has been operating the cars with a valet, or human safety supervisor in the front passenger seat tasked with intervening if there are issues with the ride.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
  • So, the Florida experience in the human era has always been defined by some degree of change.
    Joe Murphy, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In recent weeks, both have also moved military forces to the border near Assab and are engaging in escalating exchanges of hostile rhetoric.
    Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2025
  • But the Trump administration's hostile posture toward renewable energy and climate policy has brought volatility and slower growth.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But when someone raises concerns about questionable billing practices, the issue is quietly set aside and the person is moved to another role.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • That’s the person who can integrate diverse expertise, promote equitable contributions, and cultivate trust.
    Jamil Zaki, Harvard Business Review, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This was the second fatal shooting in Over-the-Rhine within 24 hours.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The other fatal shooting for which police announced arrests Wednesday was reported March 9 around 8:45 p.m. on Cas Drive at Solari Park, near the Seven Trees Community Center.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Three people are dead and nine others are injured after multiple shooters opened fire in a mass shooting at a New York City club, according to the New York City Police Department.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Two men are dead and a third person injured after a triple shooting Saturday night in Kansas City, Kansas.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • At these meetings, all manner of data were discussed and analyzed, resulting in strategies to combat negative trends.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Fewer visitors translate to less visitor spending, and in turn to lower tax revenue and job losses in the tourism industry, sending a negative ripple effect throughout the national economy.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mortal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mortal. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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