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.

—Dwight D. Eisenhower

2

: to give final approval to

The proposed regulations have not been finalized by the … administration.

—Mike Duncan

finalization

ˌfī-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

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).

Synonyms of finalize

• finish
• complete

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

Instead, an electronic signing was offered to get the agreement finalized. —Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 14 June 2026

One of the board's first tasks will be reviewing and finalizing the Colfax Community Vision & Action Plan. —Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 14 June 2026

Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, and the divorce was finalized in 2024 after a contentious legal battle. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 June 2026

Araghchi said terms dealing with Iran's nuclear program would be finalized in the 60 days after the initial agreement is signed. —Arkansas Online, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for finalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfīn-ᵊl-īz 

finalized; finalizing

: to put in final or finished form