endgame

noun

end·​game ˈen(d)-ˌgām 

: the stage of a chess game after major reduction of forces

also : the final stage of some action or process

Synonyms of endgame

• ending
• conclusion
• end
• finale
• culmination

Examples of endgame in a Sentence

they're now in the endgame of the negotiations for a new labor contract

Recent Examples on the Web

Regarding the lack of appeals process, an important clarification is in order, because my initial understanding of the NBA investigation’s endgame was incorrect. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Among attendees of the conference, however, a clearer skepticism emerged about Warsh’s endgame. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

The expansion introduces similar endgame elements throughout the new realm of Norgan. — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

So a pinch of surprising depth proves to be the most unwieldy move when Roth unveils a resonantly nasty surprise for his story’s endgame. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined above