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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
Kansas City is honoring President Harry Truman by adding his name to the terminal at Kansas City International Airport, city officials have announced. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025 Billy Joe Cagle, 49, was taken into custody in a terminal at the airport on Monday after a family member reported the alleged threat to police, authorities said. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
Posner and her husband did not have any terminal illnesses but reportedly wanted to die together. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 The money will support operations at Heavenly Home, a nonprofit residential facility in Mission Viejo that provides 24-hour care and housing for residents facing terminal illnesses. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal
Adjective
  • Diagonal passes to onrushing full-backs has proven to be another effective route around the high defensive line, as Inter targeted Denzel Dumfries with 14 long balls out to his flank across the two-legged Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona last season.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But the tone of those attacks have amped up in recent days, drawing allegations from some Democrats that Cuomo’s campaign is leaning into Islamophobia in the final stretch of the campaign.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • None of the agencies have claimed responsibility for using less-lethal weapons.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But the lethal force has raised several legal questions, as past administrations have relied on law enforcement to interdict drug shipments.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The move followed service charge increases at private inland container depots (ICDs) near the port.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The oil depot is used for the transport of oil and oil products between rail tankers, sea vessels, and road transport and is the largest oil storage facility in Crimea, holding up to 250,000 tons of fuel, which supplies Russian forces.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 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
  • However, as Chambers’ trial kicked off on Friday, her attorney, Mark Thiessen, suggested an alternate reason for the deadly crash.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Because gas leaks can lead to fires or explosions, and CO can be deadly even in small amounts, both types of detectors are critical for home kitchen safety.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After winning last year’s World Series, the Dodgers financed a roster that cost about $500 million when including the luxury tax bill.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But last week, the company was declared a transnational criminal organization by United States authorities, and Chen was charged in absentia in New York with money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy, along with several associates.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Such a slow start proved fatal to Yeovil, who went on to finish bottom of the table after being made to wait until October 26 for their first Huish Park victory at the seventh attempt.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Shortly after being taken away by paramedics, the father of Owens' four children was informed over the phone that her injury proved fatal.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to be available to consumers under distinct brands post-closing, with Hulu continuing to be available in the larger Disney bundle.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Terminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terminal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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