finalist

noun

fi·​nal·​ist ˈfī-nə-list How to pronounce finalist (audio)
Synonyms of finalistnext
: a contestant in a competition finals

Examples of finalist in a Sentence

They interviewed all of the finalists before making a decision. a finalist in the tennis tournament
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.
The seven-time winning Lambda Literary Award finalist released her memoir in 2018, in the midst of the rapidly intensifying cultural and legal debates around trans rights. Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026 Strong was a finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award, given to the top small forward, as a freshman in 2025. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026 The judges will then choose the top four finalists in October in San Antonio. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026 Also won conference and regional titles and was a sectional finalist. Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for finalist

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finalist was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Finalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalist. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

finalist

noun
fi·​nal·​ist ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce finalist (audio)
: a contestant in the finals of a competition

More from Merriam-Webster on finalist

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