termination

noun

ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce termination (audio)
Synonyms of terminationnext
1
: end in time or existence : conclusion
the termination of life
2
: the last part of a word
especially : an inflectional ending
3
: the act of terminating
4
: a limit in space or extent : bound
5
: outcome, result
terminational
ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce termination (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of termination

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Examples of termination in a Sentence

The law protects against unfair contract termination. the termination of a lease an early termination of the contract The company noted over 300 terminations last quarter. Are there plans for the termination of unproductive employees?
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Wrongful termination claims in the tech world are common immediately preceding large funding rounds as investors seek to optimize financial metrics. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Then, discover the cryptography protecting it, map TLS termination points, understand certificate and PKI dependencies, identify legacy systems, test hybrid mechanisms and measure what’s actually being negotiated. — Scott Alldridge, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Those three are on unpaid administrative leave and have been cited for termination, something that must be approved by a city board at a date that has not yet been set. — Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 The agenda covers the producer responsibility plan, contingency planning, plan termination, revocation of a PRO’s status and annual reports. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for termination

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of termination was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing termination

Rhymes for termination

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Browse Nearby Words

terminating decimal
termination
terminational
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Cite this Entry

“Termination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/termination. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

termination

noun
ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce termination (audio)
: an end or ending of something
especially : a distal end of an anatomical part

More from Merriam-Webster on termination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about termination

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