TERMINAL Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

terminal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtərm-nəl

Definition of terminal next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar 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

Examples 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

The night before that Ryman debut, his father, Pat Acuff, died after a terminal illness. —

Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2024 Wireless connectivity also underpins high-definition screens, information kiosks, self-service stations, baggage tracking systems and various other terminal services. —

Julie Song, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Noun

Today there are more than 250 stores across the country and five kiosks scattered throughout Los Angeles International Airport terminals, which, when the holiday travel rush gets underway, may be the perfect place to stock up on last-minute stocking stuffers — Santa-shaped or otherwise. —

Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 More than 325,000 people subscribe to the terminal, and Bloomberg employs 20,000 people. —

Sydney Lake, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terminal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminal

Adjective

This is a great do-it-all jacket for winters that are equal parts wet, cold, and windy, with a two-layer Gore-Tex outer offering the most water resistance of any jacket in our final lineup.

Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Eklund, Zetterlund, and Granlund became the Sharks’ top forwards toward the end of last season, combined for 58 points over the final 24 games in March and April.

Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024