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finalize

verb
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fi·​nal·​ize | \ ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce finalize (audio) \
finalized; finalizing

Definition of finalize

transitive verb

1 : to put in final or finished form soon my conclusion will be finalized— D. D. Eisenhower
2 : to give final approval to finalizing the papers prepared … by his staff — Newsweek
Other Words from finalize Synonyms Usage of Finalize More Example Sentences Learn More about finalize

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Other Words from finalize

finalization \ ˌfī-​nə-​lə-​ˈzā-​shən How to pronounce finalize (audio) \ noun

Usage of Finalize

Finalize has been frequently castigated as an unnecessary neologism or as U.S. government gobbledygook. 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). Currently, it is most frequently used in government and business dealings; it usually is not found in belles-lettres.

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 Congress is currently debating more aid but has yet to finalize any plan. — Michael S. Derby, WSJ, "Fed’s Kaplan Says It Will Be Time to Taper Bond Buying When Economy Is Clearly Recovering," 18 Dec. 2020 The parties have yet to finalize the deal and may not proceed with it, the people said. — Fortune, "From billion-dollar valuation to bust: Chinese tech unicorn now may be worth just over $1,000," 22 Oct. 2020 The parties have yet to finalize the deal and may not proceed with it, the people said. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, "The Capital Note: Google Under Attack, the Fed Frets about Risk," 22 Oct. 2020 The parties have yet to finalize the deal and may not proceed with it, the people said. — Bloomberg.com, "Former Chinese Tech Unicorn Could Now Sell For Just Over $1,000," 21 Oct. 2020 Phase 1b, which the state has yet to finalize, likely will be divided into two tiers. — Catherine Ho, SFChronicle.com, "California, Bay Area opening mass vaccination sites," 11 Jan. 2021 Beyond Tuesday, though, each chamber has yet to finalize its own parliamentary rules for the session. — James Barragán, Dallas News, "Pandemic. Recession. Political strife: The Texas Legislature’s toughest 2021 challenges," 10 Jan. 2021 Cristobal has been in contract extension discussions with Oregon but has yet to finalize those terms. — Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, "Oregon’s Mario Cristobal addresses Auburn coaching rumors: ‘I haven’t been contacted’," 15 Dec. 2020 Reservation holders have until March 19 to finalize their build and dealer selection, agree to a price, and place their order. — Connor Hoffman, Car and Driver, "2021 Ford Bronco Delayed, Not Coming until Next Summer," 4 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'finalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of finalize

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for finalize

final entry 1 + -ize

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Time Traveler for finalize

Time Traveler

The first known use of finalize was in 1875

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Statistics for finalize

Last Updated

24 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalize. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for finalize

finalize

verb
How to pronounce finalize (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of finalize

: to put (something, such as a plan or an agreement) in a final or finished form

See the full definition for finalize in the English Language Learners Dictionary

finalize

verb
fi·​nal·​ize | \ ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce finalize (audio) \
finalized; finalizing

Kids Definition of finalize

: to put in a final or finished form … Hermione ushered them out of the hall to finalize their plans for the evening.— J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets

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More from Merriam-Webster on finalize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for finalize

Nglish: Translation of finalize for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of finalize for Arabic Speakers

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