MORTAL Synonyms: 292 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'mortal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mortal are deadly , fatal , and lethal . While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable. // a mortal wound

Q: When might 'deadly' be a better fit than 'mortal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mortal , deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death. // a deadly disease

Q: When is 'fatal' a more appropriate choice than 'mortal'?

The words fatal and mortal can be used in similar contexts, but fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction. // fatal consequences

Q: Where would 'lethal' be a reasonable alternative to 'mortal'?

In some situations, the words lethal and mortal are roughly equivalent. However, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life. // lethal gas

mortal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmȯr-tᵊl

Definition of mortal next

as in lethal

likely to cause or capable of causing death a mortal wound

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in deadly

of, relating to, or suggestive of death a wounded soldier writhing in mortal agony

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as in human

relating to or characteristic of human beings just an ordinary guy with all the usual mortal limitations

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as in hostile

marked by opposition or ill will have always had a mortal aversion to narcissistic people

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mortal

2 of 2

noun

as in person

a member of the human race just an ordinary mortal living an ordinary life

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective mortal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mortal are deadly, fatal, and lethal. While all these words mean "causing or capable of causing death," mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable.

a mortal wound

When might deadly be a better fit than mortal?

While in some cases nearly identical to mortal, deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death.

a deadly disease

When is fatal a more appropriate choice than mortal?

The words fatal and mortal can be used in similar contexts, but fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction.

fatal consequences

Where would lethal be a reasonable alternative to mortal?

In some situations, the words lethal and mortal are roughly equivalent. However, lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life.

lethal gas

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of mortal

Adjective

Pundits were saying that democracy itself was in mortal peril. —

Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025 Sometimes a rat will bite Katie’s face during its mortal struggle, but Ms. Darby has learned to clean superficial wounds. —

Andy Newman, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2024

Noun

Like a great mythological beast that only mere mortals can ride. —

Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 Players become Kindred, blood drinkers who must balance their survival against revealing themselves to unpredictable mortals. —

Rob Wieland, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mortal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mortal

Adjective

Key Background The lethal Los Angeles wildfires caused the Oscars nominations announcement to be delayed twice, and the voting period was extended by several days.

— Conor Murray, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
This is just one high-profile example of how depression and anxiety disorders, ineffectively treated, can have lethal consequences.

— Kara Margolis, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025