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.
Poverty has risen in Nigeria since 2023 following the five-fold increase in fuel prices that Tinubu’s termination of a fuel subsidy scheme triggered. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Additionally, in 2017 the state agreed to pay $248,000 to settle a wrongful termination suit against Cruz by a former prosecutor. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The 41-year-old Spaniard has replaced Marc Skinner, whose five-year tenure at United came to an end last month with the mutual termination of his contract. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 There are two other investor complaints and a firm termination, FINRA records show. — Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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