finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz 

finalized; finalizing

transitive verb

1

: to put in final or finished form

soon my conclusion will be finalized

—D. D. Eisenhower

2

: to give final approval to

finalizing the papers prepared … by his staff

—Newsweek

finalization

ˌfī-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Usage of Finalize

Finalize has been frequently castigated as an unnecessary neologism or as U.S. government gobbledygook. It appears to have first gained currency in Australia (where it has been acceptable all along) in the early 1920s. The U.S. Navy picked it up in the late 20s, and from there it came into widespread use. It is a standard formation (see -ize). Currently, it is most frequently used in government and business dealings; it usually is not found in belles-lettres.

Synonyms

• complete
• consummate
• finish
• perfect
• polish

Examples of finalize in a Sentence

They are finalizing their divorce this week.

We bought our tickets and finalized our vacation plans.

Recent Examples on the Web

When the final details of a contract with Nevin were finalized, the call to the player came from a hot tub in Napa with both Axelrod and Towers more than a few drinks in. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2024

The company says official hours are still being finalized. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfīn-ᵊl-īz 

finalized; finalizing

: to put in final or finished form