end 1 of 2

verb

Definition of endnext
1
as in to finish
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point let's end the meeting with a short prayer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end unfortunately, an argument ended their date, and they're still not speaking to each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to conclude
to come to an end a book so good that you hate to see it end

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to die
to stop living a great general, who ended on the field of battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

end

2 of 2

noun

ˈend How to pronounce end (audio)
1
as in ending
the stopping of a process or activity the end of hostilities brought general rejoicing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go I'm at the end of my patience with these little brats

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in remainder
an unused or unwanted piece or item typically of small size or value a couple of ends of wallpaper were all that was left after we finished papering the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish in this case the ends definitely do not justify the means

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in tip
the last and usually sharp or tapering part of something long and narrow a child's pair of scissors with blunt ends

Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in conclusion
the last part of a process or action the war wasn't yet over, but we were definitely at the beginning of the end

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in perimeter
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something the ends of his shirt cuffs were badly frayed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in demise
the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities Henry Hudson and eight others were set adrift in the bay in a small boat, and how they met their end is unknown

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in portion
something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group keep up your end of the bargain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb end differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of end are close, complete, conclude, finish, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

When might close be a better fit than end?

In some situations, the words close and end are roughly equivalent. However, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

When could complete be used to replace end?

While the synonyms complete and end are close in meaning, complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

When can conclude be used instead of end?

The synonyms conclude and end are sometimes interchangeable, but conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

In what contexts can finish take the place of end?

While in some cases nearly identical to end, finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When is terminate a more appropriate choice than end?

The meanings of terminate and end largely overlap; however, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

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 end
Verb
In 2025, Mang0 opened more than 260 points of sale, ending the year with more than 2,900 stores across over 120 markets. —Sharon Edelson, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 Burns collected the ball and thew out Harper at first base to end the inning. —CBS News, 20 May 2026
Noun
Authorities also alleged that Nelson met another woman on Tinder in April 2025 and moved in with her by the end of the following month. —Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026 By the end of the year, those small indoor air quality solutions can add up to a healthier home and healthier lungs for the entire family. —Ryan Brennan may 19, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for end
Recent Examples of Synonyms for end
  1. finish
  2. stop
  3. conclude
  4. die
  5. ending
  6. limit
  7. remainder
  8. goal
Verb
  • Mark Teixeira homered from both sides of the plate and the New York Yankees finished a four-game sweep of Minnesota with a 7-6 victory.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • The council will vote for an interim mayor to finish the remainder of Lyles’ term, which ends in December 2027.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026
Definition of finish
Verb
  • The flotilla boats were stopped around 90-100 miles from the Gaza coastline, according to the flotilla's website tracker.
    — May 19, CBS News, 19 May 2026
  • Those unable to swim two lengths of the pool without stopping should have a parent remain close enough to reach them.
    — Laura Berrios, AJC.com, 19 May 2026
Definition of stop
Verb
  • The City Series concluded Sunday afternoon with the White Sox winning 2 of 3 to take the series from the Cubs.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
  • Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5), which is typically embarked on CVN-73, began 10 days of field carrier landing practice drills on Iwo Jima earlier this month, with the training concluded on May 17.
    — Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • Memorial Day is a day to remember, respect and show empathy for the many who have died in military service in wars.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • His team started just west of Lake Village, at the site where Edward and Arlene Kozlowski died in their home, one of the areas worst hit by the tornado.
    — Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Definition of die
Noun
  • There was a sense of endings at St James’ Park; not definitive, not complete, but persuasive, a final home game for Kieran Trippier as a Newcastle player, and a feeble waft of farewell in the colour of claret.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • The only false step in the sketch is the ending, which goes out on a cheap joke.
    — Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
Definition of ending
Noun
  • The 1000-page night sits on the outer limit of Clarke’s professional life, but identifying that margin is illuminating.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • The bodies were found about 200 feet underwater — roughly twice the legal depth limit for recreational diving in the Maldives, according to the AP.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Definition of limit
Noun
  • Perhaps even a rag-tag group of remainders can put a scare into San Antonio.
    — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026
  • The best-case scenario would be for the Lakers’ remainders to extend the best-of-seven series with the Rockets long enough for Doncic and Reaves to rejoin LeBron James in that Big Three, either at the end of this series or the start of the next one.
    — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of remainder
Noun
  • The company amassed a clean-energy portfolio that included one of the world’s largest solar power plants, and had set a goal of becoming the country’s biggest player in the space by 2030.
    — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • What’s the end goal for the electric toothbrush?
    — Caroline Rose Giuliani, New Yorker, 19 May 2026
Definition of goal

Phrases Containing end

Browse Nearby Words

encysts
end
endamage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“End.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/end. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on end

Nglish: Translation of end for Spanish Speakers

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of onus

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

The Words of the Week - May 22

Insults and Compliments from Recent Slang
See More

Popular

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
puzzle-piece-road
Missing Link Quiz May 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All