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last

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective last contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of last are final, terminal, and ultimate. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped.

last page of a book
last news we had of him

When is it sensible to use final instead of last?

In some situations, the words final and last are roughly equivalent. However, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When can terminal be used instead of last?

The synonyms terminal and last are sometimes interchangeable, but terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

When is ultimate a more appropriate choice than last?

While in some cases nearly identical to last, ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible.

the ultimate collapse of the system

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of last
Adjective
Grimm lined up in the slot on 303 of his 457 offensive snaps last season. Daniel Popper, New York Times, 1 May 2025 The Detroit Tigers are off to a dream start after their fairy tale run to the American League playoffs last season. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
There is no set time for how long a conclave may last, but recent ones have concluded within a few days. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 But coercion alone rarely brings lasting influence. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • While some were rushing to a last-minute facial or doing one final fitting, friends of LaQuan Smith took the night before the Met as a chance to unwind before the big day.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Harrison Ford spent his May the 4th celebrating not Star Wars but Yellowstone prequel series 1923, which recently released it second and possible final season.
    Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • Estimates of people with other arrhythmias are less conclusive, but in general, people with arrhythmias are at higher risk of having heart attacks or strokes and dying early, Pell said.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • While some studies have found potential associations—often at higher-than-recommended levels—experts caution that the evidence is mixed and not conclusive.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Nabers, as a rookie, set the franchise record for most receptions in a season, with 109.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
  • So now that most of his rookie cards from popular sets are released, what are the best options to start a Daniels collection?
    Tyler Holzhammer, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • In addition to his wife and children he is survived by a grandchild.
    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2025
  • Unlike its relative, the green parakeet has managed to not only survive but thrive into modern day.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Whether cooking for Hollywood stars or crafting simple dishes for his audience, Arya remained grounded in the belief that true success comes from being real, not manufactured.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Hischier remained down on the ice for a few moments after the goal in frustration.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
  • The shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • February 2025 Queen of Swords: February’s energy is pushing you to set clear boundaries and make decisive moves, especially in your financial or professional life this month.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
  • Canada’s history is a beautiful one of decisive compromise and coalition building, those distinct if unglamorous liberal virtues.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Do whatever is feasible to think outside the prevailing box.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Where sports cards and TCG share the same floor space, the prevailing belief is that TCG is stepping into the void created by the dearth of vintage sports cards, which traditionally have occupied a lot of space on dealer tables.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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