final 1 of 2

Definition of finalnext

final

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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

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
Executive producer, Brad Simpson said the response ultimately helped improve the final look. Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026 The Walton-Penner group entered a sale agreement with the Pat Bowlen Trust two months before the final approval, and after the league's finance committee unanimously approved the sale. Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
Interested in a potential showdown between USA’s distance swim superstars Katie Ledecky and Canada’s Summer McIntosh in the 400-meter freestyle final? James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026 Hughes, 24, scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Team USA’s victory over Team Canada in the final. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • The teams, which share a spring training complex, formalized the competition last year, when the Mariners won the season series 5-1 to claim the trophy, a Fender Telecaster guitar signed by Vedder.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The Marty Supreme actress had her glam done by makeup artist Gregory Arlt, who used an assortment of customer favorites from the brand — which the actress raved about to PEOPLE last fall, including the Ideal Fix concealer and Baked Marbelized blush.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s part of the lip-smacking quality of it all — the idea that certain movie characters deserve to have their limbs bitten off.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Due to an increase in passenger volume, parking availability may be at or near capacity at certain times throughout the day.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The other semifinal will have Norco at Mater Dei.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Duke would make the 2025 Final Four before blowing a lead and getting upset by Houston in the national semifinal.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The tests did show, though, that the animals did not receive adequate care at the property.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • In the trailer, the Wicked Oscar nominee can be seen in the hot seat, continuing the Focker family tradition of being interviewed while strapped to a lie detector test.
    Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 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
  • To maximize shelf life, store liquid detergents in a cool, dry, and temperature-stable environment and use them within six months once opened.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Kock maintains the presence of these smart hunters has chased the once dominant great whites further along the coast and insists that overall, the population of great whites in South African waters is stable.
    Michael H Gavshon, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For Rory McIlroy, the trek toward getting a second Masters championship got a little bit harder.
    Rod Beard, AJC.com, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The 100,000 to 200,000 people at the draft each day, the source added, is closer to a crowd for Picklesburgh or a Steelers championship parade.
    Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Students and junior officials complained of the dry study materials they were required to learn to pass exams on party history and ideology.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • After the little girl’s exam, Welsh debriefs with the attending physician in the hall.
    Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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