life-and-death

adjective

variants also life-or-death
Definition of life-and-deathnext
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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 life-and-death Such restricted debate on a literally life-and-death issue demonstrates that this isn’t a partisan tactic but rather a troubling shift away from robust public discourse. — Josue Sierra, Baltimore Sun, 12 Feb. 2025 The dialogue is mostly terse; each sentence bears the weight of life-and-death implications. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025 On vaccines, Democrats said Kennedy was flip-flopping on a life-and-death issue. — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025 William eventually makes his way to the church to ask Jamie for help on a life-and-death matter. — Lincee Ray, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for life-and-death
Recent Examples of Synonyms for life-and-death
  1. crucial
  2. decisive
  3. fundamental
  4. critical
  5. key
  6. basic
  7. pivotal
Adjective
  • My previous post, Being Sad Is Expensive: How Your Money-Mindset Matters showed how emotions play a crucial role in shaping financial behavior.
    — Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Ask Chris Richards, who credits a small but crucial collective upward shift at Crystal Palace in the second half of the season for reviving the club’s hopes of meaningful progress.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of crucial
Adjective
  • What is decisive in one culture may feel autocratic in another.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Alessia Russo’s double was decisive in setting up a semi against eight-time winners Lyon.
    — Phil Hay, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of decisive
Adjective
  • The second question was whether education is what courts call a fundamental right.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Guzmán Ariza remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rule of law, ensuring nationals and foreign citizens alike can trust in the protection of their fundamental rights in the Dominican Republic.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of fundamental
Adjective
  • Florida Republicans alongside President Donald Trump were handed another critical election win on Tuesday as Jimmy Patronis won the House race for Florida's 1st Congressional District.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Mavericks committed just five turnovers, but Brooklyn took advantage and turned them into seven points — a marginal yet critical edge in a game that featured 16 ties and 19 lead changes.
    — C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of critical
Adjective
  • Separate deals between Russia and Ukraine brokered by the U.S. are expected to fully reopen a key trade route but could also play into the hands of Russia whose navy has been chased out of Crimea thanks to Kyiv's effective drone and missile strikes.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Some Republicans are raising concerns ahead of a key special election in Florida on Tuesday in what appeared to be a safe U.S. House district for the party as Republican state Sen. Randy Fine vies for the chance to take the seat vacated by former Rep. Mike Waltz.
    — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of key
Adjective
  • Despite their importance, the basic design of the cask—planks of wood encircled by hoops of metal—has never fundamentally changed.
    — Andy Vasoyan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Complement with a tee, an oversized blouse tucked in, or a basic tank top.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Despite his criticism, Boyega said his time with the franchise became a pivotal point for his acting career.
    — Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Important advice for all university leaders at a pivotal moment in higher education.
    — Karen Weaver, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of pivotal

Browse Nearby Words

life
life-and-death
lifeblood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Life-and-death.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/life-and-death. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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