1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
I made the fatal mistake of sharing my secret with the office's biggest blabbermouth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lethal
likely to cause or capable of causing death
that snake's venom is fatal unless the victim is given the antidote almost immediately
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fatal
The Bradford City fire on May 11, 1985, which claimed 56 lives, came less than three weeks before another 39 supporters were killed at Heysel during a fatal charge by Liverpool fans before the European Cup final.
—
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 June 2025
After the fatal shot, Belony rushed to perform CPR on his friend in a desperate attempt to save his life, according to a summary of the case provided by the Broward State Attorney’s Office.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2025
Both also have the fatal flaws of being undisciplined, delighting in picking public fights and getting bored easily.
—Jim Waterson, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
In addition to the loss of wildlife, collisions are also fatal to humans.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fatal
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 June 2025
After the fatal shot, Belony rushed to perform CPR on his friend in a desperate attempt to save his life, according to a summary of the case provided by the Broward State Attorney’s Office.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2025
Both also have the fatal flaws of being undisciplined, delighting in picking public fights and getting bored easily.
—Jim Waterson, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
In addition to the loss of wildlife, collisions are also fatal to humans.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fatal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatal
Adjective
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The Giants didn’t have a disastrous road trip, winning two of their three series, but taking just two out of three against rebuilding teams won’t be enough to catch the Dodgers, and getting swept by contending teams will leave them outside of the wild-card chase.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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Following a disastrous accident, Cadence's life changes forever, disrupting the harmony builtbetween her, her family, and her inner circle.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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Stephen Stanko’s attorneys told him that lethal injection would feel like drowning when a lethal dose of pentobarbital is injected into the inmate’s veins and there’s a rush of fluid into the lungs.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2025
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However, in the days to come, zoo officials faced mounting criticism for not trying to tranquilize the 17-year-old Western lowland silverback before using lethal force.—
Jillian Frankel,
People.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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While people who have had measles gain immunity, there can be risks and deadly consequences.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
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The Los Angeles Police Department charged him with assault with a deadly weapon the next day after the rapper allegedly entered the wrong home while looking for his girlfriend and swung a hatchet at two people.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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The polished old pro bent time and space, keeping the unfortunate new work to a minimum and running through his hits, reliving, nearly chronologically, the thrill of experiencing his catalog all over again at a speed run.—
Abe Beame,
Rolling Stone,
7 June 2025
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An unfortunate series of events in the eighth inning led to the Brewers going up 3-1.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatal. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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