lethal
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lethal, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Capable of causing death; deadly.
How to use lethal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin letalis, "deadly," from letum, "death."
Full origin of lethal →Frequently asked questions
What does “lethal” mean?
The word “lethal” means capable of causing death; deadly. In plain terms, deadly — able to kill.
How do you pronounce “lethal”?
“Lethal” is pronounced LEE-thuhl (/ˈliː.θəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “lethal” in a sentence?
Here is “lethal” used in a sentence: “The snake's venom is lethal to small animals.”
What part of speech is “lethal”?
“Lethal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lethal” come from?
The word “lethal” comes from Latin. From Latin letalis, "deadly," from letum, "death.".
Is “lethal” a common word?
“Lethal” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between lethal and deadly?
Lethal and deadly are close synonyms, both meaning capable of causing death, and are often used interchangeably. Lethal tends to appear more in technical, medical, or precise contexts such as a lethal dose, while deadly is more common in general or dramatic descriptions.
Can lethal be used figuratively?
Yes, lethal is sometimes used figuratively to describe something extremely effective or damaging, such as a lethal argument or a lethal combination, without literally involving death. This extended use draws on the core sense of being highly dangerous or destructive.