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
His brother reportedly said Becker was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, and was living in Arizona while owning a comedy club called Chuckleheads. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines at Terminal 1 Monday morning went far beyond the terminal doors and went down the sidewalk outside. Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday, passengers were met at the north terminal by a small group of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026 That’s the terminal on the Persian Gulf where 90 percent of Iranian crude is processed. ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal
Adjective
  • Democrats declined to provide the support needed to move the funding measure toward final passage.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Gates made a powerful declaration with his final postgame news conference of the season.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If an individual’s core temperature stays above 104 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 30 minutes, the result can be lethal.
    Brad Stulberg, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • At Blackburn Rovers, Shearer was lethal, scoring more than 30 league goals in three successive campaigns.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The blaze was from a series of oil depots that had been hit by air strikes—the latest target in the United States and Israel’s joint operation against Iran.
    Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The fuel depot attack, like all military operations in this campaign, was coordinated with the US in advance, two Israeli officials told CNN.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 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
  • The death toll was nearly double that of the previous figure given by authorities, who continued search and recovery efforts at the site of the deadly crash.
    Luis Jaime Acosta, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
  • An 18-year-old woman from Kansas City is dead following a deadly crash in rural Platte County early Sunday morning.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, was last trading near $103 a barrel, up about 3% for the day.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The civil trial began with opening arguments in Santa Fe last month.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The House of Representatives has twice passed such a bill with a handful of Democrats signing on, but in the Senate, Democrats have held up the bill over demands for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement reforms after the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in January.
    Arden Farhi, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The collision was the first fatal crash at Laguardia Airport in 34 years.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 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 26 Mar. 2026.

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