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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

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
On top of that, UConn has looked mortal as of late. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026 No one can argue that Lululemon is in any mortal danger. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
Natalie Haynes fleshes out the backstories of her cast—Jason, a handsome ship captain on a quest for the Golden Fleece, the scheming sorceress Medea, and Olympian deities toying with mortals like marionettes—and imbues them all with contemporary vibes. Hamilton Cain, Time, 3 Mar. 2026 In fact, praying to saints or ancestors elevated them above the status of mere mortals, effectively denying the singular might of God. Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mortal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mortal
Adjective
  • Airing in 2002, Jackson is exposed to lethal radiation after diving into a reactor to shut it down and prevent a meltdown.
    Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association criticized the order, saying the removal of less-lethal equipment will place hospital public safety officers, staff, patients and residents at risk.
    Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The woman had an active domestic violence restraining order against Garcia at the time of the deadly shooting.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Their world is upended when a new neighbor moves in across the street, bringing old secrets of the cul-de-sac to light and new deadly threats shatter the illusion of their quiet little neighborhood.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Rather like Indian gurus in nineteen-sixties hippie culture, the Jews were assumed to be repositories of every kind of mystical and human elevation.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The astronauts snapped thousands of photos during their historic pass around the moon, shot video and recorded their personal observations to give researchers insights based on the color sensitivity of the human eye.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Our city workers have consistently risen above the vitriol and accusations of hostile political leaders to do the jobs that our residents expect.
    Venus Molina, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • While Kirk may have received hostile or threatening messages, including on social media, those were not part of any identified or actionable threat stream monitored by federal authorities, the person told Sganga.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jogging might feel easy to one person and exhausting to another.
    Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Police said that at least one of the three shootings was a random attack on a homeless person sleeping in front of a Kroger store at Cherokee Plaza along Peachtree Road in Brookhaven.
    Kat Greene, AJC.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • However, the company confirmed the leaking line was installed in the early 1970s — the same era as the pipe involved in the fatal 1997 blast.
    Lexi Salazar, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In July 2024, a Santa Fe judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin, 68, for the fatal shooting after ruling that the prosecution concealed evidence from his legal team.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For whatever sprinkling of sociopathy that Quinn might have, seeing her dead best friend’s daughter, who looks just like her best friend, standing in front of her cracks through a little bit.
    Max Gao, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat buildup and allergens accumulate over months, affecting your sleep quality and potentially triggering sneezing and congestion.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Drug and alcohol screenings came back negative.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • European luxury brands pulled the French stock market into negative territory on Tuesday as a raft of disappointing earnings weighed on the sector.
    Joseph Wilkins,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mortal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mortal. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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