conclude

con·clude

verb \kən-ˈklüd\

con·clud·edcon·clud·ing

Definition of CONCLUDE

transitive verb

1

obsolete : to shut up : enclose

2

: to bring to an end especially in a particular way or with a particular action <conclude a meeting with a prayer>

3

a : to reach as a logically necessary end by reasoning : infer on the basis of evidence <concluded that her argument was sound>

b : to make a decision about : decide <concluded he would wait a little longer>

c : to come to an agreement on : effect <conclude a sale>

4

: to bring about as a result : complete

intransitive verb

1

: end

2

a : to form a final judgment

b : to reach a decision or agreement

— con·clud·er noun

Examples of CONCLUDE

1. The investigation has not yet concluded.
2. The meeting concluded at noon.
3. The chairman concluded by wishing us all a happy holiday.
4. We concluded the meeting on a happy note.
5. The chairman concluded his speech by wishing us all a happy holiday.
6. We conclude from our review of the evidence that they are right.
7. Many studies have concluded that smoking is dangerous.
8. The speech, many historians concluded, was the most important of his career.
9. Their effort to conclude an agreement was a success.

Origin of CONCLUDE

Middle English, from Latin concludere to shut up, end, infer, from com- + claudere to shut — more at close

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONCLUDE

Synonyms

close out, complete, close, end, finish, round (off or out), terminate, wind up, wrap up

Antonyms

begin, commence, inaugurate, open, start

Related Words

climax, crown; consummate, perfect; halt, stop, suspend

Near Antonyms

draw out, extend, prolong, protract

See Synonym Discussion at close, infer

Rhymes with CONCLUDE

allude, blood feud, collude, delude, denude, elude, exclude, extrude, exude, fast-food, health food, include, intrude, junk food, obtrude, occlude, plant food, postlude, preclude, prelude, protrude, quaalude, seafood, seclude, subdued, transude, unglued