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 Macks, now 35 and living in Lineville, Alabama, said Collings deserves to be put to death for her sister's killing but that lethal injection falls short. —

Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024 And while the virus is less lethal in cows than birds, dead cows and calves have piled up along roadsides in Tulare County, with farmers and veterinarians reporting mortality rates far higher than expected. —

Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024 Just small amounts of methanol can cause blindness, nausea and vomiting, while drinking as little as 30 milliliters (1 ounce) can be lethal. —

Helen Regan, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024 My layered combo is lethal in the most non-lethal and incredibly delightful way. —

Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lethal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal

Adjective

Brand new Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (Peacock) Jan. 2 Just days before Christmas in 1988, the UK saw its deadliest terror attack in history when a Pan Am flight was blown up over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing 270 people.

Lucy Ford, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
The most recent recalls include supplements that contain potentially deadly prescription diabetes drugs, salmon that may be contaminated with listeria bacteria and bread that may be contaminated with metal.

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024