conclusion

noun

con·​clu·​sion kən-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce conclusion (audio)
1
a
: a reasoned judgment : inference
The obvious conclusion is that she was negligent.
b
: the necessary consequence of two or more propositions taken as premises
especially : the inferred proposition of a syllogism
2
: the last part of something
The team was exhausted at the conclusion of the game.
: such as
a
: result, outcome
The peace talks came to a successful conclusion.
b
conclusions plural : trial of strength or skill
used in the phrase try conclusions
c
: a final summation
the counsel's conclusion to the jury
d
: the final decision in a law case
e
: the final part of a pleading in law
3
: an act or instance of concluding
hoped for a quick conclusion to the war

Examples of conclusion in a Sentence

The evidence does not support the report's conclusions. The evidence points to the inescapable conclusion that she was negligent. The logical conclusion is that she was negligent. What led you to that conclusion? They haven't yet arrived at a conclusion. the conclusion of a business deal The case was finally brought to conclusion last week.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Following its conclusion, on December 10, the CrimeLess podcast will broaden its lens with weekly anthology stories hosted by comedian Rory Scovel and veteran journalist and true crime podcaster Josh Dean. Peter White, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 Though later criticized for its methodology and sweeping conclusions, its shadow lingers. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2025 Investigators detailed those conclusions in a lengthy memo last month recommending that the office not move forward in charging Comey, according to sources familiar with the memo's contents. Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2025 Bornstein and Peter show that when nonlinear pricing is accounted for, economic conclusions change significantly. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conclusion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conclusion-, conclusio, from concludere — see conclude

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of conclusion was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclusion. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

conclusion

noun
con·​clu·​sion kən-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce conclusion (audio)
1
: a final decision reached by reasoning
came to the conclusion that we couldn't go
2
a
: the last part of something : end
b
: a final result : outcome
c
: a final summing up
the conclusion of a speech
3
: an act or instance of concluding

Legal Definition

conclusion

noun
con·​clu·​sion kən-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce conclusion (audio)
1
: a judgment or opinion inferred from relevant facts
our conclusion upon the present evidenceMissouri v. Illinois, 200 U.S. 496 (1905)
2
a
: a final summarizing (as of a closing argument)
b
: the last or closing part of something
3
: an opinion or judgment offered without supporting evidence
specifically : an allegation made in a pleading that is not based on facts set forth in the pleading

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