FINAL Synonyms: 180 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

final 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfī-nᵊl

Definition of final

as in last

following all others of the same kind in order or time this will be my final order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in certain

having been established and usually not subject to change the wedding date is final

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

final

2 of 2

noun

as in semifinal

Related Words

as in test

Related Words

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

Footwear News spoke to several employees, who’ve been granted anonymity for fear of reprisal, about the store’s final days. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 16 July 2026 In its final group match, against Belgium, Saudi forward Saeed Al-Owairan scored an incredible solo goal, which was remarkable for his 70-yard (about 64-meter) run. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 July 2026

Noun

The final is also the first to feature the reigning European champion and the reigning world and South American champions, and the first to feature two Spanish-speaking nations since 1930. — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 17 July 2026 Those include Italian Collina, the premier referee of his generation, who worked Brazil's 2-0 win over Germany in the 2002 final in Japan. — ABC News, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for final

Recent Examples of Synonyms for final

Adjective

The surge is coming right at the peak of the summer driving season, which could cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars more compared with this time last year.

— Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
Earlier this month a pastor who founded one of China’s most prominent underground churches was released from prison and reunited with his family in the United States after being detained in a crackdown in China last year.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of last

Adjective

Euthanasia is legal under certain conditions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Canada, Colombia, Australia and New Zealand.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
The Idaho Medical Cannabis Act initiative, which was spearheaded by the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho, would have allowed people with certain health conditions to get access to medical cannabis treatment.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2026

Definition of certain

Noun

Nobody has scored more World Cup goals than Lionel Messi, who is up to 21 heading into Argentina’s Wednesday semifinal against England.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Head to Smorgasburg in downtown Atlanta for an ice cream festival, get tickets to a dim sum rave at Minhwa Spirits and watch a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Monday Night Brewing.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of semifinal

Noun

Groups like EdTrust-West and The Campaign for College Opportunity, which champion equity and access to higher education, pushed back and said standardized tests in UC admissions were biased against low-income and minority students.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Chen’s work focuses on using seismological data to improve methods to identify and monitor nuclear tests.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of test

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 American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.

— Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023

Definition of latest

Noun

The results have shown — from 5-7 and missing a bowl game in 2022 to 7-6 in 2023 to 10-3 in 2024 but collapsing at the end to 13-3 and a run to the national championship last season.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
After an exhilarating five and a half weeks, the 2026 World Cup is nearing the championship match.

— India Roby, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026

Definition of championship

Noun

However, then-President Janet Napolitano advised the Board of Regents to phase them out anyway and explore the creation of a UC-specific exam.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
The club’s twice-a-month meetings are a labor of love — just one more thing to add on top of studying for Mandarin and psychology exams, prepping for the SAT, and volunteering with local churches and nonprofits.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 July 2026

Definition of exam

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finagling

final

finale

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“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of final

adjective

noun

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