MORTAL Synonyms: 292 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'mortal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mortal are deadly , fatal , and lethal . While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable. // a mortal wound

Q: When might 'deadly' be a better fit than 'mortal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mortal , deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death. // a deadly disease

Q: When is 'fatal' a more appropriate choice than 'mortal'?

The words fatal and mortal can be used in similar contexts, but fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction. // fatal consequences

Q: Where would 'lethal' be a reasonable alternative to 'mortal'?

In some situations, the words lethal and mortal are roughly equivalent. However, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life. // lethal gas

mortal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmȯr-tᵊl

Definition of mortal

as in lethal

likely to cause or capable of causing death a mortal wound

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in deadly

of, relating to, or suggestive of death a wounded soldier writhing in mortal agony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in human

relating to or characteristic of human beings just an ordinary guy with all the usual mortal limitations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hostile

marked by opposition or ill will have always had a mortal aversion to narcissistic people

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mortal

2 of 2

noun

as in person

a member of the human race just an ordinary mortal living an ordinary life

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective mortal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mortal are deadly, fatal, and lethal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable.

a mortal wound

When might deadly be a better fit than mortal?

While in some cases nearly identical to mortal, deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When is fatal a more appropriate choice than mortal?

The words fatal and mortal can be used in similar contexts, but fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

Where would lethal be a reasonable alternative to mortal?

In some situations, the words lethal and mortal are roughly equivalent. However, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

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 mortal

Adjective

For Katherine LaNasa, her bond with ex-husband Dennis Hopper transcended the mortal plane. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026 In 2026, with global biodiversity in mortal danger, the Galápagos aren’t just a cradle of incredible variation. — Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026

Noun

If bits are mere mortals, occupying space and time, qubits possess omnipresence and telepathy. — Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 18 May 2026 Read on for a roundup of the most opulent and expensive celebrity proposal pieces of all time, ones most of us mere mortals can only dream about in this lifetime. — Freya Drohan, InStyle, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mortal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mortal

Adjective

The theory is that individuals became infected by a strain that was particularly lethal to the young through close contact with marmots (rodents that are known reservoirs of the plague), perhaps while butchering them.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
Hubris and risk aversion make for a lethal cocktail in high-level professional sports.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Definition of lethal

Adjective

When the Guadalupe River surged through Texas Hill Country last summer, Elida Sierra Lutz and her three children were swept into the deadly flooding like debris in the current.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Written and directed by YouTube filmmaker Curry Barker, the film, made for $750,000, tells a twisted tale of love with deadly consequences.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of deadly

Adjective

Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel for ADF, pointed to Cross’s alleged experience as one of the human costs behind the legal fight.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
At the center of it all is Brent Charles’ sinewy Caius Martius Coriolanus, who runs through the play like a human scythe.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of human

Adjective

And until a Black commentator is held responsible for making openly hostile remarks about White people, nothing will change.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
For example, in March, the crypto exchange Kraken put its multibillion‑dollar IPO on hold amid hostile market conditions, according to CoinDesk.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Definition of hostile

Noun

Police release video of the person racing across the roof of the building from where authorities say the shot was fired, dropping down to the ground and walking off campus.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of person

Adjective

Although most people recover from Legionnaires' disease with antibiotics, certain patients -- including those who are immunocompromised or who suffer from chronic lung diseases -- can develop complications that can be fatal.

— Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 July 2026
The Grand Prairie Police Department is investigating a fatal crash in which a passenger vehicle hit a pedestrian.

— Mary Ella Hastings July 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

Definition of fatal

Adjective

There were no signs of rodents at any businesses during this inspection period, but dead roaches were found at Conservatory at Plano, at 6401 Ohio Drive.

— Mary Ella Hastings July 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
She was flown by Life Flight to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of dead

Adjective

The powder, sourced from California Dairies and supplied by a third party, tested negative for salmonella before the company used it in the chips.

— Sarah Jacoby, NBC news, 2 July 2026
Apple, for instance, dropped 5% on April 8, its fourth-straight negative day.

— Alex Harring,Luke Fountain, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Definition of negative

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morsels

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Style

“Mortal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mortal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of mortal

adjective

noun

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