ultimate 1 of 2

Definition of ultimatenext

ultimate

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ultimate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ultimate are final, last, and terminal. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible.

the ultimate collapse of the system

When would final be a good substitute for ultimate?

The words final and ultimate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

In what contexts can last take the place of ultimate?

While the synonyms last and ultimate are close in meaning, last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped.

last page of a book
last news we had of him

When could terminal be used to replace ultimate?

The synonyms terminal and ultimate are sometimes interchangeable, but terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

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 ultimate
Adjective
For a player who already set the bar so high — his 109 catches were a school record — yet fell short of his ultimate goal, how Toney approaches his sophomore year will be worth the watch. Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 The message is that in a world full of endless choices, commitment and sticking to one thing isn't boring, and can in fact bring you the ultimate joy. Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Noun
The ultimate is an off-the-grid, island-hopping kayak camping trip. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2025 Loro Piana was a master class experience in the ultimate of Italian refinement and materiality. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ultimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ultimate
Adjective
  • Using strobes and a long exposure time to allow the maximum amount of available light to hit his lens, Cooley snags about 50 shots of the 20-foot-tall tree, which stands vigil over a street where nearly all the homes burned.
    Marah Eakin, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Pair it with heeled ballet flats and a raffia tote for maximum summer nonchalance.
    Olivia Allen, Vogue, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Turns out, a kid brought in with gunshot wounds died in that room the same night, and a final look at the security footage shows a mysterious third man — clearly hiding his face from all cameras under a label-less baseball cap — entering the same room around the same time as Ji.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 27 June 2026
  • Leiter said the final destination of the framework is peace between the two countries.
    Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • That's close to the farthest point in its orbit, which is 252,088 miles away, according to NASA.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2023
  • At its farthest, the capsule was more than 268,000 miles from Earth.
    Marcia Dunn, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2022
Noun
  • Variable rates may increase after consummation.
    Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 26 June 2026
  • After the flirtation and its consummation, David beats a hasty (and unsurprising) retreat.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Restaurants and bars in the area have done their utmost to make their patios, rooftops, and outdoor seating areas fun and comfortable, even during triple-digit heat.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Trump will do his utmost to remind them of their painful and powerless present.
    Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • While most observers would rather see stars like Messi play the entire match, ultimately the decision is no different from the Cowboys opting to let Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb play a series or two in Week 18 before resting them after locking up the division.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2026
  • Making great ceviche at home is easier than most people think.
    Arnaldo Castillo, AJC.com, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
  • The shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
Noun
  • Angelina Jolie is and will always be the epitome of timeless beauty.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 19 June 2026
  • Brno must be the epitome of this.
    Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ultimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ultimate. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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