finalize
verb
fi·nal·ize
ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz 
finalized; finalizing
1
: to put in final or finished form
Soon my conclusion will be finalized.—
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower2
: to give final approval to
The proposed regulations have not been finalized by the … administration.—Mike Duncan
Mike Duncan
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).
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
The official boundaries of the new stadium incentive district have not yet been finalized.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Morgan filed for divorce from Rodney in 2020, and it was finalized that December.
—Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Woods announced his decision on Instagram Thursday, two days after Sumrall, defensive coordinator Brad White and linebackers coach Bam Hardmon flew to the 19-year-old’s home in Kansas to finalize details of a new deal.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
While partnerships with north side organizations are still being finalized, UMOS is hiring two additional intake specialists, four warehouse workers and two drivers.
—Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finalize
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Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Morgan filed for divorce from Rodney in 2020, and it was finalized that December.
—Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Woods announced his decision on Instagram Thursday, two days after Sumrall, defensive coordinator Brad White and linebackers coach Bam Hardmon flew to the 19-year-old’s home in Kansas to finalize details of a new deal.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
While partnerships with north side organizations are still being finalized, UMOS is hiring two additional intake specialists, four warehouse workers and two drivers.
—Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finalize
Cite this Entry
“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalize. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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