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

Standards aimed at protecting kids The Biden administration finalized its lead-in-water overhaul in 2024. —Michael Phillis, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

Permits show the hotel is a roughly $12 million project, although Deljoo said the total cost is still being finalized. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Feb. 2026

Easton Street Capital and Palm Beach Health Network are finalizing plans and expect to submit a development application for city review in the coming weeks. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026

None of the proposals discussed Thursday have been finalized, and Silver made clear that dialogue will continue through the coming months. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for finalize

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

Kids Definition

finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfīn-ᵊl-īz 

finalized; finalizing

: to put in final or finished form