Synonyms of terminal

terminal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtərm-nəl 

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

• final
• latest
• last
• closing
• latter
• concluding
• terminating
• lowest
• lag
• ultimate
• penultimate
• rearmost
• following
• eventual
• bottommost
• farthest
• ensuing
• hindmost
• consequent
• succeeding
• lowermost
• furthest
• remotest
• conclusive
• outermost
• decisive
• definitive
• crowning
• farthermost
• furthermost
• extreme
• endmost
• nethermost
• outmost
• utmost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• initial
• first
• primary
• beginning
• original
• opening
• earliest
• starting
• pioneer
• maiden
• foremost
• inaugural
• headmost
• superior
• eminent
• leadoff
• premier

2

as in lethal

likely to cause or capable of causing death

a form of cancer that is usually terminal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lethal
• deadly
• fatal
• infectious
• infective
• poisonous
• killer
• harmful
• mortal
• toxic
• deathly
• murderous
• dangerous
• baleful
• vital
• destructive
• hazardous
• fell
• deleterious
• pestilent
• pernicious
• virulent
• serious
• injurious
• baneful
• pestilential
• risky
• ugly
• noxious
• sublethal
• perilous
• threatening
• truculent
• unhealthy
• grave
• bloody
• menacing
• parlous
• sanguinary
• grievous
• unsound
• sanguine
• jeopardizing
• internecine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• healthy
• beneficial
• healthful
• nonfatal
• nonlethal
• wholesome
• remedial
• salubrious
• curative
• salutary
• corrective
• useful
• tonic
• restorative
• advantageous
• safe
• alleviative
• nontoxic
• nonpoisonous

terminal

2 of 2

noun

as in depot

Related Words

• depot
• station
• way station
• layover
• stopover
• stop
• outstation

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

Recent Examples of terminal

Adjective

There was initial pushback among some terminal leaseholders at the Port of Los Angeles. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Rantzen was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2023 and went on to become a prominent campaigner for legalizing assisted dying in the UK. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Noun

Research has shown that coal terminal operations can threaten air quality and public health. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

By contrast, Saudi Arabia is poised to export oil from its Red Sea terminal at Yanbu, now that the East-West Pipeline is back, as well as from its Persian Gulf ports. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026