final 1 of 2

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
Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025 The game will allow up to four players to battle through a fictional version of Shaolin, squaring off against The Deceiver, a menacing antagonist who serves as the game’s final boss. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
Noun
On the other hand, despite becoming the first player since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach three consecutive Grand Slam finals, Sabalenka has now lost the last two to American opponents, having been upset by Madison Keys at the Australian Open in January. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 Towns and Brunson were nearly unplayable together in the conference finals against a Pacers team that targeted one of New York’s two stars with regularity. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • The countries expelled each other’s top diplomats last year over the killing of a Sikh Canadian activist in Canada and allegations of other crimes.
    Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • After her death, Helen leaves him one last gift: a beagle puppy named Daisy.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2025
  • While certain details in specific scenes were modified and some dialogue subtly shifted to enhance the story, the new version follows the original plot’s three-act structure to a tee.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Waubonsie didn’t make an error behind Lambert, who followed up the first-rate effort in the semifinals by ace Owen Roberts.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • In the semifinals, Champlin Park edged No. 6 White Bear Lake, 3–2, behind another complete game from Rothenberger, who gave up two runs (one earned), struck out three and hit two crucial doubles — including one that led to the game-winning run in the seventh.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • The talks in Istanbul are a test of how genuine that engagement is.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
  • During the test, the H1 was tethered by its head for safety, a common practice during public demonstrations.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • The man is currently recovering and in stable condition at Kings County Hospital's intensive care unit, according to a GoFundMe page created to help him with his unforeseen medical expenses.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • Medics took both victims to New York-Presbyterian Columbia Hospital in stable condition.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Chen did walk four, hit four batters and only struck out one, but the senior allowed only one hit and no runs, paving the way to a championship.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
  • While there's no denying the Eagles have the personnel to capture another championship, going out and doing it is an entirely different story.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • To determine the cause of your high testosterone levels, a healthcare provider will likely do a physical exam and blood tests.
    Brandi Jones, Health, 6 June 2025
  • An excellent score on the Casper exam, which evaluates situational judgment, empathy and professionalism skills.
    Kristen Moon, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on final

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!