final 1 of 2

Definition of finalnext

final

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective final contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of final are last, terminal, and ultimate. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When would last be a good substitute for final?

The meanings of last and final largely overlap; however, 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 terminal instead of final?

While in some cases nearly identical to final, terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

When is ultimate a more appropriate choice than final?

The synonyms ultimate and final are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 final
Adjective
The final rule reverts the industry to standards first established in 2012 by the Obama administration that have reduced mercury emissions by nearly 90%. Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026 In 2008, Lawrence’s Scrubs received a pickup for an eighth and final season, which ended with what was written as a series finale. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
The women’s freeski halfpipe final has been postponed until tomorrow. Nbc News, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026 Finishing just shy of reaching the MLS Cup final? Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • But the Airlines for American trade group, the military and the major general aviation groups that represent business jets and small plane owners backed a competing and more comprehensive House bill that was just introduced last week.
    Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Francesco Risso, who helmed Marni after Castiglioni’s departure in 2016 through last year, took the brand in a more avant-garde, experimental direction.
    Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There are still weeks to go in the trial, and its outcome is far from certain.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Investigators can use certain databases to look for a match with a suspect or that person's relatives.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • El Camino Real will face the winner of Friday’s semifinal between South East and Marquez.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The men’s hockey semifinal, bronze medal and gold medal games, meanwhile, will command Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena over the next three days.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There's also a newer blood test for adults 45 or older.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
  • More than 73% of AP test takers in the district are Black or Hispanic, Coleman added.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
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
  • Rotating forward shifts body weight ahead of the center of support, making balance control more demanding and landings less stable.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Their journey from a fractious dynamic and rocky road to fraternal camaraderie was rooted in the fact that Shawn grew up in poverty, facing constant adversity, while Jack grew up in a stable household without wants.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Martinez was aiming to become the eighth Coloradoan since 2014 to win titles in four different weight classes, having taken the 130-pound crown in ’23; the 135-pound title in ’24; and the 140-pound championship last year.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Then her schoolmates were right in tune in the pool to claim their first championship.
    Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In trying to show the scope of the exam, the medical drama takes liberties in its completion time.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • This exam enables the doctor to detect early signs of these diseases and prescribe appropriate treatments at their earliest stages.
    Mark Ryan, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

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