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terminal

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective terminal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of terminal are final, last, and ultimate. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

When would final be a good substitute for terminal?

In some situations, the words final and terminal are roughly equivalent. However, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When is it sensible to use last instead of terminal?

The meanings of last and terminal largely overlap; however, last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped.

last page of a book
last news we had of him

Where would ultimate be a reasonable alternative to terminal?

The words ultimate and terminal can be used in similar contexts, but ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible.

the ultimate collapse of the system

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 terminal
Adjective
Upon landing, a Blade vehicle then takes passengers to their departure terminal. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025 But that terminal’s local concessions presence doesn’t come close to what’s in Terminal 1. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
The airport's closed Concourse E will be demolished and replaced with a new concourse and terminal serving domestic and international flights. Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Independent scientists have praised the Reuniting Twins project for challenging prior assumptions and adding significantly to the discussion about the terminal state of rocky planets. Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal
Adjective
  • While the final details were still being negotiated, the embassy said the partnership will focus on key technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, telecommunications, and quantum computing.
    Jarrett Renshaw, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Season 4 lands on October 30th and will be followed by a fifth and final season.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The most recent execution via firing squad in the United States occurred in South Carolina, where Brad Sigmon, 67, was executed in March, opting for the method instead of the electric chair or lethal injection.
    Amanda Castro Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While officers in the garage tried to find Cook’s firearm before approaching him, Miller from outside the front of the house gave commands to other officers to retrieve a shield and a 40mm less-lethal projectile launcher, the reports showed.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Images from August analyzed by Radio Liberty show ammunition depots at the site which covered more than two square kilometers.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement On the left, Banksy's 23-ft high mural in the yard of a Royal Mail depot in Newman Street, central London, which was seen as a commentary on surveillance in the United Kingdom.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
  • The shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Last week's deadly shooting also heightens concerns of university safety protocols and security at public events.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The mid-air collision sent both aircraft hurtling into the Potomac River and left no survivors, becoming the deadliest airline crash in the country since 2001.
    Jillian Frankel, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Five meetings and nine months have elapsed since the Fed last adjusted interest rates.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Elsewhere, she’s opted for sequin sea blue Balenciaga, and chose a sparkling structural Alexander McQueen gown for last year’s BAFTAs.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Prepared Social Feed Posts Automation promises efficiency but can’t accommodate nuance, context or situational changes that a human would change course for (think competitive move, environmental crisis, fatal tragedy, and so on).
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show was suspended indefinitely following the host's comments on the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If you’re pumped for the future with a bunch of ideas, your enthusiasm becomes infectious.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Luckily for audiences, her laugh is infectious.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Terminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terminal. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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