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
Miami’s fireworks offense looked mortal in five straight 3-and-outs in the second half. — Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026 Its grief is processual, a crucible that takes the shape its actors and characters mold of it while defying mere mortal charge. — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
Atlanta — Professional athletes are often held up as something above and beyond the mere mortals who pay hefty ticket prices to be in the stands. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Over the course of ten wildly successful games, Kratos vanquished mortals, creatures and gods alike. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mortal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mortal
Adjective
  • As the most lethal and airborne variant of the infection, pneumonic plague is nearly always fatal unless specific antibiotics are given quickly.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Graham had four pressures as a blitzer and has looked absolutely lethal in that role.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Responsible for the devastating Black Death pandemic of 1346 to 1353, this deadly bacterium claimed between 25 and 50 million lives in Europe alone.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • What knocks him for a deadly loop is a powdered, pampered piece of work called Mildred (Elizabeth Teeter).
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The dizzying evolution of AI picks up speed when Ilya gets Sam worked up about next-level AGI, or Artificial General Intelligence, theoretical technology with human-level cognitive capabilities.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This could allow human personnel to concentrate on duties requiring judgment, empathy and discretion while reducing their exposure to hazardous situations.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In a hostile divorce proceeding, the first camp to attack has a major advantage.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The mission’s goal is to evaluate how the chips fare during the launch, as well as in the hostile space environment.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, America is now in the war, and veteran Adam is seemingly the only person in Salinas who realizes that this isn’t necessarily a noble thing.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Now suppose the group of 300 proposes its own three-person slate.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Independent media outlets like Baikal People reported that the fatal chain of events began on September 25.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Chicago Alderman Michelle Harris said at Sunday's community vigil that the suspect had allegedly gotten into an altercation with staff at a wireless store in the Chatham neighborhood just before the fatal stabbing, WLS reported.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • To assist Noah, Sinestro has also forged a new lantern from the water on this dead alien planet — imbued with Zoe’s fear toxins — causing golden cracks in the object’s surface.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Urker, who also fathered a baby girl, Aurora, with Blanchard, was found dead Thursday in Raceland, Louisiana.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Solomon has also previously drawn negative press over his hobby of DJing.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Harming any of these beings results in negative karma, which further traps souls in samsara.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mortal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mortal. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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