TERMINAL Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

terminal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtərm-nəl

Definition of terminal next

as in final

following all others of the same kind in order or time took me to the terminal point of that bus route

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lethal

likely to cause or capable of causing death a form of cancer that is usually terminal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

terminal

2 of 2

noun

as in depot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 terminal

Adjective

One area of the dot plot that could be impactful is the final point, representing the terminal rate. —

Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024 In his Netflix film, Ree explores the journey of Mats Steen, a young Norwegian man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a terminal condition that causes progressive weakening of the heart and skeletal structure. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

Meanwhile, a $45 million agricultural maritime export terminal, opened in 2023 on the west side of Jones Island at 1711 S. Carferry Drive. —

Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024 Set in a terminal at Newark Airport during the holiday rush, the sketch plays as a Christmas pageant of all the most cliched airport behavior, from taking your weed edible too early and in too high a dose to the couple disagreeing over joining the mile high club. —

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terminal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal

Adjective

The Rams drove to the Seahawks’ nine-yard line in the final minute, but Garoppolo’s fourth-down pass to Whittington fell incomplete.

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
The final months of 2024 delivered additional blows to workers in several sectors as numerous layoff announcements were made for 2025.

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025