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
While the Mecklenburg property is currently under contract with the corporation, the use of TIF funds must be approved by Cincinnati City Council before the sale is finalized.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2025
Funeral plans have yet to be finalized, but O’Dell is planning on having a celebration of life with a butterfly release, likely in Grandview.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Before the ruling is finalized, the public has until Sept. 15, 2025, to submit comments on the proposal.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025
After finalizing their divorce in December 2009, Kate and Jon engaged in a long and difficult custody battle.
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finalize
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Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2025
Funeral plans have yet to be finalized, but O’Dell is planning on having a celebration of life with a butterfly release, likely in Grandview.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Before the ruling is finalized, the public has until Sept. 15, 2025, to submit comments on the proposal.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025
After finalizing their divorce in December 2009, Kate and Jon engaged in a long and difficult custody battle.
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 13 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2025.
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