Thesaurus

terminate

Q: How does the verb 'terminate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of terminate are close , complete , conclude , end , and finish . While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space. // your employment terminates after three months

Q: When might 'close' be a better fit than 'terminate'?

While the synonyms close and terminate are close in meaning, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished. // close a debate

Q: When is 'complete' a more appropriate choice than 'terminate'?

The meanings of complete and terminate largely overlap; however, complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken. // the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Q: Where would 'conclude' be a reasonable alternative to 'terminate'?

The words conclude and terminate can be used in similar contexts, but conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting). // the service concluded with a blessing

Q: When can 'end' be used instead of 'terminate'?

In some situations, the words end and terminate are roughly equivalent. However, end conveys a strong sense of finality. // ended his life

Q: In what contexts can 'finish' take the place of 'terminate'?

The synonyms finish and terminate are sometimes interchangeable, but finish may stress completion of a final step in a process. // after it is painted, the house will be finished

verb

Save Word

Synonyms & Antonyms of terminate

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point

we need to terminate the discussion for this evening, but we'll resume tomorrow morning

Synonyms for terminate

Words Related to terminate

climax,
crown

consummate,
perfect

Phrases Synonymous with terminate

Antonyms for terminate

2 to come to an end

this class will terminate with the arrival of Memorial Day

Synonyms for terminate

Words Related to terminate

Phrases Synonymous with terminate

bite the dust

Near Antonyms for terminate

Antonyms for terminate

3 to mark the limits of

terminated the area set aside for the runners to change their clothes with a series of folding screens

Synonyms for terminate

Words Related to terminate

delineate,
describe

4 to put to death deliberately

the operative's covert mission was to terminate the leader of the opposition

Synonyms for terminate

assassinate,
bump off,
croak
[slang],
dispatch,
do in,
execute,
get,
ice
[slang],
knock off,
liquidate,
murder,
neutralize,
off
[slang],
put away,
rub out,
slay,
snuff,
take out,
whack
[slang]

Words Related to terminate

Phrases Synonymous with terminate

do away with

Near Antonyms for terminate

5 to let go from office, service, or employment

he was terminated for constantly coming in to work late

Synonyms for terminate

Words Related to terminate

separate

Phrases Synonymous with terminate

Near Antonyms for terminate

keep

reemploy,
rehire

recruit

Antonyms for terminate

terminate

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of terminate (Entry 2 of 2)

as in replaceable, terminable

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for terminate

acting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for terminate

Frequently Asked Questions About terminate

How does the verb terminate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of terminate are close, complete, conclude, end, and finish. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

When might close be a better fit than terminate?

While the synonyms close and terminate are close in meaning, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

When is complete a more appropriate choice than terminate?

The meanings of complete and terminate largely overlap; however, complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement