finalize
verb
fi·nal·ize
ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz 
finalized; finalizing
1
: to put in final or finished form
Soon my conclusion will be finalized.—
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower2
: to give final approval to
The proposed regulations have not been finalized by the … administration.—Mike Duncan
Mike Duncan
Usage of Finalize
Finalize was formerly castigated as an unnecessary neologism or as U.S. government jargon, but it is now broadly accepted. 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).
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
But the two large-scale capital projects are within the range of the existing budget while officials work to finalize its schematic design, Hupp told the Airport Commission last month.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Dec. 2025
The college sweethearts married in 1986 and separated in 1999 before finalizing their divorce in 2001.
—Emily J. Shiffer, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
Fuentes said decisions about when peak-hour services will occur haven't been finalized but are being determined with ridership level data.
—Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 3 Dec. 2025
The fuel economy proposal would roll back a rule finalized in June 2024 under the Biden administration aimed at raising the minimum gas mileage for passenger cars and light trucks by model year 2031.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finalize
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Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Dec. 2025
The college sweethearts married in 1986 and separated in 1999 before finalizing their divorce in 2001.
—Emily J. Shiffer, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
Fuentes said decisions about when peak-hour services will occur haven't been finalized but are being determined with ridership level data.
—Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 3 Dec. 2025
The fuel economy proposal would roll back a rule finalized in June 2024 under the Biden administration aimed at raising the minimum gas mileage for passenger cars and light trucks by model year 2031.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finalize
Cite this Entry
“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalize. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
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