finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz 

finalized; finalizing

transitive verb

1

: to put in final or finished form

Soon my conclusion will be finalized.

—Dwight D. Eisenhower

2

: to give final approval to

The proposed regulations have not been finalized by the … administration.

—Mike Duncan

finalization

ˌfī-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

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).

Synonyms of finalize

• finish
• complete

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

Louisiana Democrats also finalized their nomination, selecting farmer Jamie Davis, according to NBC News and DDHQ. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 28 June 2026

The two sides still have to finalize agreements spelling out the services that will be provided at each venue by July 2027. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

There would be an auction if necessary July 7, and a hearing to finalize the sale July 13. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

Wethersfield will finalize designs and apply for federal funds to begin construction on grey and green approaches to prevent recurring flooding that is impacting a stretch of the Silas Deane Highway and nearby communities. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for finalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfīn-ᵊl-īz 

finalized; finalizing

: to put in final or finished form