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Definition of terminatenext
1
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point we need to terminate the discussion for this evening, but we'll resume tomorrow morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to define
to mark the limits of terminated the area set aside for the runners to change their clothes with a series of folding screens

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5

terminate

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb terminate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of terminate are close, complete, conclude, end, and finish. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

When might close be a better fit than terminate?

While the synonyms close and terminate are close in meaning, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

When is complete a more appropriate choice than terminate?

The meanings of complete and terminate largely overlap; however, complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Where would conclude be a reasonable alternative to terminate?

The words conclude and terminate can be used in similar contexts, but conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

When can end be used instead of terminate?

In some situations, the words end and terminate are roughly equivalent. However, end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

In what contexts can finish take the place of terminate?

The synonyms finish and terminate are sometimes interchangeable, but finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

Example 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 terminate
Verb
The first transcontinental flight of an airship, the Navy’s enormous USS Shenandoah, terminated, rather precariously, at North Island’s Rockwell Field the following year. Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or terminate the Giveaway for any reason at any time. AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
That control gave Puglisi the sole authority to set up new credit card accounts, change spending limits, manage card access and terminate accounts. Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2021 ChristianaCare, the state’s largest health care system and largest private employer, has stated that all employees must receive the first dose of the vaccine by Sept. 21, or the health system with terminate workers who don’t unless given an exemption. From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2021 See All Example Sentences for terminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terminate
Verb
  • Minnesota lawmakers tried to end ICE contracts with counties a few years ago.
    Jennifer Mayerle, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Four astronauts aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule splashed down early Thursday in the Pacific Ocean, ending a weeklong effort to get an unnamed crew member home to evaluate a medical issue.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Several vehicles that stopped behind her appear to belong to federal agents, based on activity observed in other videos.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The prioritization for that new safety should probably be in coverage skills, because Moehrig and Ransom are known more for their run-stopping and tackling prowesses.
    Mike Kaye January 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Davis’ injury is the latest — and potentially most damaging — blow in a Mavericks season defined by attrition.
    Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • While its character may be defined by its history—ask the staff about its connections to Jackie O and George Washington—the inn embraces all of the modern comforts.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The protests are only the latest problem facing Khamenei’s regime, which had much of its leadership assassinated by Israel during a twelve-day war last June.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Venezuelan authorities accused both men of plotting to destabilize the government and assassinate Maduro, allegations denied by Spanish officials and civil organizations, which said the two were traveling for tourism.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Everglades restoration involves removing as many of these dams as possible without risking flood control, while adding more reservoirs for water storage, all to revive a river of grass that flows once more.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Staff immediately removed him from his cell and provided medical aid.
    Mars King, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Indefinite employment terminable only for cause had existed as early as the founding of Harvard College in 1650.
    Time, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • These transfers can be made to trusts, such as qualified terminable interest property trust which can be relatively simple and inexpensive to create and also defer estate tax on unlimited wealth.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • North Texas won 27 games and advanced to the semifinals of the NIT to conclude the 2024-25 season.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Congress concluded that not all civil-rights crises could be solved by lawsuits, arrests, or federal force.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In recent years, Blackhawk Bar & Grille and Century Theaters ceased operations at Blackhawk Plaza, which removed significant anchors from the center.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • At that point, the issue ceased to be solely about Maduro and became about precedent.
    Richard Kiy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Terminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terminate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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