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
The city hosts a budget workshop in May before finalizing its budget decisions in June.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
All base camp selections are expected to be finalized by April.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Right-hander Ryan Brasier, who grew up in Wichita Falls and attended Weatherford College, is finalizing a deal for non-roster invite to major league spring training, a person with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Dallas Morning News.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
In a documents required for permitting applications, the company identified a site on the north shore, but on Thursday Basquill said the exact location wasn't finalized.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finalize
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Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
All base camp selections are expected to be finalized by April.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Right-hander Ryan Brasier, who grew up in Wichita Falls and attended Weatherford College, is finalizing a deal for non-roster invite to major league spring training, a person with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Dallas Morning News.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
In a documents required for permitting applications, the company identified a site on the north shore, but on Thursday Basquill said the exact location wasn't finalized.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finalize
Cite this Entry
“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalize. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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