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
Has Asus written the last word on cable clean PC building?
—
John Burek, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
That outcome is far from certain, however, and the trade court is highly unlikely to have the final word on this question.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 13 May 2025
Lara, who as commissioner has the last word, adopted the ruling today.
—Levi Sumagaysay, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Vegas’ two best players began the series slowly, getting outplayed by the Wild’s stars through the first four games, but got the last word with two brilliant games to finish the series.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the last/final word
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.
John Burek, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
That outcome is far from certain, however, and the trade court is highly unlikely to have the final word on this question.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 13 May 2025
Lara, who as commissioner has the last word, adopted the ruling today.
—Levi Sumagaysay, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Vegas’ two best players began the series slowly, getting outplayed by the Wild’s stars through the first four games, but got the last word with two brilliant games to finish the series.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the last/final word
Cite this Entry
“The last/final word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20last%2Ffinal%20word. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share