finalist

noun

fi·​nal·​ist ˈfī-nə-list How to pronounce finalist (audio)
: 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.
An investigative series about the abrupt closure of a Miami heart transplant program led Michelle and her colleagues to be recognized as finalists in two 2024 Florida Sunshine State Award categories. Miami Herald, 6 July 2025 This time around, the two winners were selected by the audience among five finalists pitching their initiatives on stage. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 4 July 2025 Felix Ojo Offensive tackle Felix Ojo (TX) released a group of finalists that included Texas, Florida, Michigan and Ohio state, but a surprise team entered the mix heading into Friday afternoon’s commitment. Erik Buchinger, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 Rooker was only 13,000 votes shy of being a phase-two finalist for the AL starting spot, and is currently slashing .271/.347/.484 with a team-high 17 home runs. Sacbee.com, 3 July 2025 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 11 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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