finalize

verb

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

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 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).

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
New laws require resources to draft, edit, finalize and implement them. Darren Rosenblum, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026 In 2022, an agreement was struck between Lebanon and Israel to finalize the delineation of our maritime borders. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026 Reportedly, only one episode, the one that was set to air this week, was finalized. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Mar. 2026 Officials have said no decisions have been finalized at this time. Dan Raby, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for finalize

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalize. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

finalize

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

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