finalize
verb
fi·nal·ize
ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz 
finalized; finalizing
1
: to put in final or finished form
soon my conclusion will be finalized—
D. D. Eisenhower
D. D. Eisenhower2
: to give final approval to
finalizing the papers prepared … by his staff—Newsweek
Newsweek
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
The company recently finalized its design of the nine-passenger amphibious aircraft and started building a prototype.
—Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
Then, in May 2024, the NFL finalized its commitment by approving player participation during its annual spring meeting, which was a somewhat surprising move.
—Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The Sacramento Kings will hold a press conference to introduce veteran point guard Dennis Schroder on Tuesday at Golden 1 Center after finalizing a trade with the Detroit Pistons.
—Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025
White’s options The Jackson County Legislature doesn’t have the power to finalize a new election date without consulting the county executive.
—Ilana Arougheti
july 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for finalize
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Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
Then, in May 2024, the NFL finalized its commitment by approving player participation during its annual spring meeting, which was a somewhat surprising move.
—Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The Sacramento Kings will hold a press conference to introduce veteran point guard Dennis Schroder on Tuesday at Golden 1 Center after finalizing a trade with the Detroit Pistons.
—Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025
White’s options The Jackson County Legislature doesn’t have the power to finalize a new election date without consulting the county executive.
—Ilana Arougheti
july 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for finalize
Cite this Entry
“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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