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

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 lethal Now that the wildfires have been contained, a more insidious and enduring threat looms over Los Angeles, posed by the invisible, potentially lethal toxins the flames unleashed. —

Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 Their five-out offense surrounds the floor with lethal three-point shooters at all times. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025 The original Doom was a shooter phenomenon, and on May 15 the lethal legacy continues with Doom: The Dark Ages. —

Jordan Minor, PCMAG, 7 Feb. 2025 Two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, depending on a person’s body size. —

Gabrielle M. Etzel, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lethal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethal

Adjective

Another particularly deadly accident occurred in 2021 in Holtville, California, when an SUV transporting 25 migrants collided with a semitruck.

— Marni LaFleur, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
In exchange, Israel has released hundreds of prisoners and detainees, ranging from prisoners serving life sentences for deadly attacks to Palestinians detained during the war and held without charge.

— James Mackenzie, Emily Rose, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025