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Definition of endnext
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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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end

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noun

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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

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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

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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
On the way to the oyster farm, Luke asks about a ring Joy is wearing, which turns out to be from an engagement that ended badly. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026 In the final minute of stoppage time to end the first half, Morocco's Achraf Hakimi curved his free kick right in front of the goal, seemingly just one perfect touch away from a goal. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Noun
By the end of the night, Rodríguez Castro was singing a Nicky Jam song a cappella. Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Weber also noted that mating season is coming to an end, when alligators become very territorial. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for end
Recent Examples of Synonyms for end
Verb
  • That was a 2019 Bahamas Bowl loss in Will Healy’s first season at Charlotte, which finished 7-6 for the 49ers’ lone winning season since elevating to the FBS in 2015.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • His youngest daughter is now among the six candidates in the special election that will decide who finishes his term.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • When there was a pause in the action, referee Raphael Claus stopped the match to look at VAR to determine whether Balogun committed a foul worthy of a red card.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Making new friends isn’t something that has to stop at a certain point in your life.
    Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The region’s air quality alerts associated with the Fourth of July concluded Sunday afternoon.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • After the hearing concludes, state District Judge Tony Graf must determine if the case should proceed.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Ramos’ two daughters –– Darling Antonella, seven, and Dulce María, two –– were staying with their grandparents and great-grandparents, who also died in the earthquakes.
    Isa Soares, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • It was created in 2015 to honor the life and legacy of former ESPN broadcaster Stuart Scott, who died due to cancer earlier that year.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Skratch also interviewed other sources for its story who hinted at potential infidelity by Mickelson amid abrupt endings of memberships at other golf clubs.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Wait, wasn’t the original happy ending supposed to have our protagonist pairing up with his son?
    Candace Buckner, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Gas stations across Russia are imposing limits on purchases, CNN’s analysis found, with fuel- tracking websites popping up to guide drivers to the best spots to fill up.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • People who were enrolled in graduate school and received a federal loan before July 1 will not face the new limits, according to the Education Department.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Buckle up for a newsy remainder of the term.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Perhaps even a rag-tag group of remainders can put a scare into San Antonio.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Controversial red card looms large The story of the game to that point was Folarin Balogun, who scored a goal in the 45th minute and then was given a controversial red card in the second half.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“End.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/end. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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