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

The Fed is now expecting just two quarter-point cuts next year instead of the four predicted in September to hit a terminal rate of 3.9 percent in 2025. —

Tobias Burns, The Hill, 19 Dec. 2024 Law enforcement from the Port of Seattle later apprehended the stowaway, using video surveillance to locate the subject in a terminal restroom after deplaning. —

Dave Quinn, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024

Noun

While there’s still no news on a commercial airline to fill those seats, the airport’s terminal is undergoing a renovation project in anticipation of landing a new carrier soon. —

Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025 For its La Guardia terminal, SHoP focused on the combination of digital technology and mass customization that allows the finesse of carpentry to be adapted to the vast scale and industrial rhythms of contemporary construction. —

Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for terminal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal

Adjective

Ohio State fans’ visceral reaction to losing to Michigan was in part because we have been conditioned for generations to believe a two-loss team, particularly when one of those losses occurs in the final game, signals the end of the season.

Jason Lloyd, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
The differential is not even one percent of the final total.

Carol Schram, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025