terminal 1 of 2

Definition of terminalnext

terminal

2 of 2

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

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
The terminal value may be a new term for some Club members, and understandably so. Paulina Likos,zev Fima, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026 Airport crews are actively preparing airfield and terminal facilities for winter weather and will continue to monitor conditions closely. Lynne Sullivan, The Providence Journal, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
There also was a fire at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port, the city’s main sea terminal and a major shipping hub, and the Dubai International Airport was damaged and four employees were injured, according to the Dubai Media Office. ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026 Authorities temporarily suspended all flights to and from the terminal. Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal
Adjective
  • Florida falls to 30-26-3 and remains eight points back of the Boston Bruins for the Eastern Conference’s final wild card spot with 23 games left to play.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Closer Jack Champlin continued to blank the Lancers, getting the final two outs, one on a strikeout.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Many diseases are more infectious and more lethal than COVID-19 was, and the next such pandemic could prove to be our species’ undoing.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Nicholas and three of his playmates at the day care were poisoned by the lethal opioid, which the owners stored in a nap room, officials said.
    Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The train depot for the site is at 1090 Overseas Hwy.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Those targets could include missile launch sites, many of them mobile; supply depots; air defense systems; and the transportation networks used to move those weapons, a former defense official told The Post.
    John Hudson, Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
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
  • Highways were jammed overnight and into Monday with people fleeing after what was Israel's deadliest barrage on Lebanon in more than a year, striking hours after Hezbollah fired missiles across the border for the first time in more than a year.
    FADI TAWIL, Arkansas Online, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The deadly attack is among 56 mass shootings in the US so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
    Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Then late last year Stacey Wondra was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping in the second degree, destruction of evidence and a persistent violator enhancement, which can be added by prosecutors when someone has been convicted of at least three felonies.
    Alex Brizee March 3, Idaho Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Holt will integrate into a leadership role in developing the stadium that broke ground last summer.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The 41-year-old had pleaded guilty to causing the death of student Yabin Tamang by dangerous driving in December, and a further count of dangerous driving prior to the fatal collision.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2026
  • His identity was not being released yet, and the sheriff's office said the Marine Patrol is conducting a fatal vessel accident investigation.
    Jose Fabian, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Other alternatives such as offering a seller credit to cover potential post-closing assessments or adjusting the purchase price to reflect the risks of such costs are also being employed.
    Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
  • 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 5 Mar. 2026.

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