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
That arrangement is efficient for moving large volumes over long distances, but assembling trains and coordinating terminal operations can make smaller, short-haul shipments less economical. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026 Vollmann disclosed in recent years that he had been diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
Work on the new 350-acre container terminal, which will be Savannah’s third, is expected to begin in January 2028. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer previously said investigating video gambling terminal thefts was draining village resources. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 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
  • Daniel Espino, Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith allowed only one baserunner the final four innings.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The 21st and final season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians aired from March through June 2021.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of final
Adjective
  • Primaries Kenny and Christina have long wanted to come to Thailand, but have been held back by Christina’s lethal nut allergy.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
  • How did a live round get into the revolver and who brought the lethal ammunition to the set?
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of lethal
Noun
  • Gonzalez described this depot as a gas station in space, but there are challenges typical gas stations don't face.
    — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Ukraine has hit back at Russia by launching long-range drones and missiles at oil refineries and storage depots.
    — SAMYA KULLAB, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 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
  • Measles usually kills two or three people in every 1,000 cases, the WHO says, but the disease can be more deadly in poorer nations because of factors such as malnutrition.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The deadly fire erupted Saturday at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, where fierce winds fueled flames that spread beyond the installation and into surrounding rural areas.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of deadly
Adjective
  • Frieze London will mark his third fair this year after last showing at one in January 2020.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Following President Donald Trump‘s White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico last month, a federal judge has once again blocked him from doing so.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of last
Adjective
  • In 2006, a 45-year-old with a heart condition suffered a fatal heart attack while aboard the park's Goliath ride.
    — DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Mystery still surrounds the fatal shooting on the set of Alec Baldwin’s Western Rust, an incident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of fatal
Adjective
  • The question is whether the post-closing company can afford to do all of it while servicing that debt, integrating two enormous businesses, achieving the synergies its financing assumes, funding streaming and deleveraging on schedule.
    — Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In my experience, IP analysis also impacts post-closing integration assumptions around product and platform continuity, as well as revenue protection mechanisms tied to exclusivity and licensing integrity.
    — Keegan Caldwell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on terminal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terminal

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