Synonyms for

Terminate

Verb / ˈtɜ:mʌˌneɪt / Another word for terminate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to bring to an end; to put an end to something

Synonyms & similar words

displace givethesack can givetheaxe finish hire sack cease stop begin dismiss sendaway fire givenotice end forceout end stop cease conclude finish halt close discontinue abort

Synonyms by register

Formal

conclude cease discontinue extinguish

Informal

end stop finish wrap up

Literary

expire perish dissolve

Antonyms

begin start commence initiate originate launch institute

Common collocations

  • terminate employment
  • terminate contract
  • terminate a pregnancy
  • terminate a session
  • terminate a process
  • terminate a relationship
  • terminate service

Word family

noun termination
verb terminate
adjective terminable

Usage note

Primarily used in formal contexts, often referring to the ending of something official, like a contract or employment. Avoid using it for casual endings like finishing a conversation.

Example sentences

  1. I will terminate my subscription to the magazine.
  2. The company will terminate all employees who do not meet the performance standards.
  3. The landlord can terminate the lease if the tenant does not pay rent.
  4. The teacher will terminate the lesson in five minutes.
  5. The police officer can terminate the car chase if it becomes too dangerous.

Quotes

  • The only way to terminate a war quickly is to lose it. - George Orwell
  • The only way to terminate our endless pain is to terminate ourselves. - Chuck Palahniuk
  • No one can be certain where the next breakthrough will occur, or which one will terminate research in a particular area. - Kenneth G. Wilson

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