the last/final word

noun

1
: the final thing said in an argument or a discussion
Your mother's decision is the final word on the matter.
Why do you always have to have the last word?
2
: the power to make a final decision
The judge will have the last word on the divorce agreement.
3
informal : the most modern or best one of its kind
This is the last word in wireless phones.
The van's design is the last word in safety.

Examples of the last/final word in a Sentence

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.
Khamenei, 86, is not the only voice in Iran's national security establishment, but is thought to have the final word. Steve Inskeep, NPR, 25 June 2025 But because our point of view into the story is from the workers’ perspective, the workers get the last word. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 The current Disney+ version even shows Greedo getting in the last word before Han offs him. Rance Collins, IndieWire, 14 June 2025 But the final shot, the final word on the night, belonged to Draisaitl and the Oilers. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for the last/final word

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Cite this Entry

“The last/final word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20last%2Ffinal%20word. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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