finalize

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to put in final or finished form
soon my conclusion will be finalizedD. D. Eisenhower
2
: to give final approval to
finalizing the papers prepared … by his staffNewsweek
finalization 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 The resumption of international flights out of Cap-Haïtien comes as gang violence continues to engulf Port-au-Prince, and a plan brokered by the Caribbean Community and the United States to establish a transitional presidential council is still being finalized. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2024 With Garner and Hauser on board, the next step in the filmmaking process is finalizing the rest of the cast and applying for production incentives. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2024 Donnie and Kimberly announced their split and filed for divorce in 2008, which was finalized two years later. Haley Van Horn, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 Structural elements on the development were finalized in February, and progress continued this month with roof membrane installation, according to videos posted on Terrex's X account. The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024 Recommendations in the report include finalizing new vehicle emission standards, as well as establishing air quality standards for ozone and fine particulate matter specifically to protect scenic views and nature. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 In recent months, Xavi also finalized a deal with WME and announced his first U.S.-based tour, which has already been expanded to include additional dates due to popular demand. Thania Garcia, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 That agreement and a new revenue-sharing plan was finalized last week. Ralph D. Russo, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 The adoption process was finalized last year, but remaining paperwork and travel documents were slow to be processed, especially due to the ongoing violence in Haiti, Missy Tennant said. Jillian Sykes, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'finalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of finalize was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near finalize

Cite this Entry

“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

finalize

verb
fi·​nal·​ize ˈfīn-ᵊl-īz How to pronounce finalize (audio)
finalized; finalizing
: to put in final or finished form

More from Merriam-Webster on finalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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