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Definition of lastnext
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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

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
Herd mortality jumped from 6% to 17% last year on the Shackleford Banks, which is home to 102 wild horses, according to a study by the National Park Service. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026 The Salvadoran national's case has become a focal point in the immigration debate after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador last year. CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
Seeding meetings for playoffs also could be delayed depending on how long a strike lasts. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026 Maybe some of that solidarity will last. Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • In California, gubernatorial primaries place candidates from both parties on the same ballot, with the top two determining the final two candidates.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Kaylee and Summit's history is littered with commitment issues, break-ups, and make-ups, and those old wounds remain evident during the final bonfire.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To be clear, there is little credible scholarly evidence that EdTech, in general, improves learning outcomes, and no conclusive evidence that generative AI improves learning outcomes over traditional human teaching.
    Dr. Timothy Scott, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Key Takeaways Taking vitamin C supplements daily may slightly lower blood pressure, but results are not conclusive.
    Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As far back as preseason testing, some teams questioned the maximum recharge of 250 kilowatts achieved through super clipping, given that the battery can harvest up to 350kW and this cap is achieved when drivers lift-and-coast into corners.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Sangha faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Far too many people are struggling to, to survive and certainly can't thrive paycheck to paycheck in this country, which should not be happening in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.
    Ford McCracken, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • He is survived by his mother, Jarica WIlliams, his siblings — Grayson, Kaiden, and Zalayah — and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and great grandparents.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Even as China remains one of Iran’s biggest diplomatic allies, President Xi Jinping’s support for the Islamic Republic is being constrained by a vast trail of Chinese capital across the Gulf.
    Bloomberg, Bloomberg, 10 Apr. 2026
  • With just three games remaining in their season after Thursday, the Stars could be looking at another disastrous injury.
    R.J. Coyle, Dallas Morning News, 10 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
  • Either way, this decisive energy favors clear asks and tangible action over chasing perfect conditions.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The Aggies lost Game 2, and the decisive Game 3.
    Mac Engel April 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Game notes Rangers bats struggled for most of Saturday’s game with only four hits in the game but rallied and had runners on the corners with two outs in the ninth inning and Evan Carter up to bat.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
  • According to ZamZows, most Idahoans have a mix of sandy and clay soil, which can both cause problems in the garden.
    McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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