terminal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtərm-nəl How to pronounce terminal (audio)
Definition of terminalnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Related 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

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 terminal
Adjective
Zimmerman’s husband developed a terminal illness shortly after the Camp Fire. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 The toll on its ecosystem was almost terminal and by 1970, the river was effectively biologically dead, its fish population reduced to just three resilient species. — Camille Knight, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Noun
The planes were carrying Israeli commandos to a disused airport-terminal building in Uganda, on the shores of Lake Victoria. — Anne Neuberger, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 Air Charter Service estimated its terminal would handle 6,000 passengers on over 1,500 flights. — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for terminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal
  1. final
  2. lethal
  3. depot
  4. latest
  5. deadly
  6. last
  7. fatal
  8. closing
Adjective
  • That deficit set off a litany of Boise chances in the final 10 minutes.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
  • That momentous draw came in the final group-stage game of the prestigious tournament.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of final
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
Noun
  • Both suits suggest that the residents of Fisher Island, who are represented by the club and community association, want the fuel depot site to be redeveloped with condos.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Although it’s often painted as a precious-metals rush, asteroid mining may first look more like the creation of fuel depots, life-support stations and supply chains for spacecraft.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of depot
Adjective
  • The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
  • The American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.
    — Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023
Definition of latest
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
  • The 7-2 Kessler missed most of last season because of a shoulder injury.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Deivis Ramos hasn’t cried since his daughters were killed in last Wednesday’s earthquakes.
    — Isa Soares, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Definition of last
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
  • During the post-closing ceremony panel, the jury president showed a sense of humor when discussing the challenges of serving as the leading member of the voting committee for a prestigious film festival, like being away from the phones all morning.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 May 2026
  • This is covered in a standard inspection, often called a pre-drywall or pre-closing inspection.
    — Ryan Brennan May 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Definition of closing

Browse Nearby Words

terminable
terminal
terminals
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on terminal

Nglish: Translation of terminal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terminal

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