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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
  • 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
  • Afterwards, final voting commences on August 18 and ends the night of August 27.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • As an option, have a separate, conclusive AI to summarize everything and produce the final answers.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
  • This observation provided the first conclusive evidence for the existence of the cosmic behemoth at the core of a galaxy.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 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
  • That means most Canadian parts are exempt from tariffs, but relatively few Mexican parts.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 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
  • Meanwhile, the baseline 10% tariff Trump announced April 2 will remain in effect for most U.K. imports, which could lead to higher prices for consumers.
    Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Where to Watch Marvel's 'Thunderbolts*' Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts* remains in theaters following its May 2 release.
    Jenna deJong, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 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
  • The Timberwolves were basking in the glow of this decisive victory over the league’s glamour franchise.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • Building trust and momentum early often makes the decisive difference between success and failure.
    Christoph Knitter, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Do whatever is feasible to think outside the prevailing box.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • But a downside surprise could be perilous considering the recent spate of bad economic news and the prevailing angst over the way President Donald Trump is implementing tariffs against U.S. trading partners.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 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 12 May. 2025.

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