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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
In a video posted to Instagram, the 47-year-old HGTV host wheels two carry-ons through an airport terminal. Colson Thayer, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025 It’s now based at the airport’s passenger terminal. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
Also in 2016, Kerri’s husband Dean was diagnosed with a terminal Glioblastoma brain tumor. Colson Thayer, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Judicial mercy gives courts the authority to give a more lenient sentence in exceptional mitigating circumstances, such as a terminal illness or when imprisonment could pose a high risk of endangering a life. CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal
Adjective
  • Shildt deployed only high-leverage arms over the final four innings.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
  • At the final, disastrous dinner of this episode, Larsa tries to remind everyone of this truth.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The true key to the film’s success is Ronan herself, who perfectly balances deadly precision with emotional vulnerability—childlike in curiosity but lethal in execution.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Ukraine, for its part, has stepped up long-range drone attacks on Russian oil depots and refineries, which could drive up the cost of fuel for Russians.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Salisbury is preserving the depot and will make additions to help return the building to its railroad focus.
    Damenica Ellis July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 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
  • Both are incredibly venomous and deadly, but the Coral snake has more neurotoxic venom on a drop-for-drop basis.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The suspect in the deadly shooting Friday, Aug. 22 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit was taken into custody early Saturday morning, according to the Detroit Police Department.
    Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat came together on a blockbuster trade before the NBA trade deadline last year.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Colorado, winners of four of its last five games, has become a tougher team to put away.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Peacock 'Sharp Corner' This unsettling thriller features Ben Foster as a man who becomes overly obsessed with the fatal car crashes that happen at a sharp corner in the road in front of his new home.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Such actions were again implemented this week after two fatal car crashes.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Engineer’s ‘storytelling is infectious,’ Netflix executive says Rober worked for NASA for nine years, Netflix said.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious.
    Daniela Avila, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Terminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terminal. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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