LETHAL Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'lethal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lethal are deadly , fatal , and mortal . While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life. // lethal gas

Q: When is 'deadly' a more appropriate choice than 'lethal'?

The words deadly and lethal can be used in similar contexts, but deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death. // a deadly disease

Q: When could 'fatal' be used to replace 'lethal'?

Although the words fatal and lethal have much in common, fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction. // fatal consequences

Q: When might 'mortal' be a better fit than 'lethal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lethal , mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable. // a mortal wound

lethal

adjective

ˈlē-thəl

Definition of lethal next

as in deadly

likely to cause or capable of causing death we were lucky that the snake's venom wasn't lethal, and our friend turned out to be all right

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How does the adjective lethal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lethal are deadly, fatal, and mortal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

When is deadly a more appropriate choice than lethal?

The words deadly and lethal can be used in similar contexts, but deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When could fatal be used to replace lethal?

Although the words fatal and lethal have much in common, fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

When might mortal be a better fit than lethal?

While in some cases nearly identical to lethal, mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable.

a mortal wound

Examples 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 lethal Wrangling over South Carolina’s access to lethal injection drugs led McMaster to sign a law in 2021 allowing the state to also execute by electrocution or firing squad, with death row inmates given the choice. —

Andy Rose, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 The injunction was originally enacted after attorneys for Ralph Baze, who killed two police officers, successfully argued before Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phillip Shepherd in 2010 that some of the Kentucky Department of Corrections lethal injection protocols were unconstitutional. —

Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 24 Oct. 2024 South Carolina inmate Richard Moore was executed by lethal injection on Friday for the 1999 murder of a convenience store clerk, despite widespread appeals for clemency. —

Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Moore previously had two execution dates postponed as the state sorted through issues that created a 13-year pause in the death penalty, including companies' refusal to sell the state lethal injection drugs, a hurdle that was solved by passing a secrecy law. —

Jeffrey Collins The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lethal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal

Adjective

However, the voyage takes a deadly turn when a dangerous political assassin aboard the ship, Richard Loffler (Kevin Durand), escapes custody and releases the animals to create chaos.

Travis Bean, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Organic carrots and celery sold at Whole Foods Market in five states are being recalled amid a deadly E. coli outbreak that has stricken 39 people in 18 states.

Kate Gibson, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2024