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

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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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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
Even after the Ukraine war ends, Russia will still pose a risk to Europe, Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen warned. —Todd Symons, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025 Obama’s 2015 appearance is central to WTF’s mythology and to podcasting lore in general, so bringing him back provides a neat poetic echo to end the show. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
The mystery that still exists around menopause only contributes to the emotional struggles many women face with the transition and the end of their child-bearing years. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 In the end, the cross left the stage — but not people’s minds. —Alma Rota, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025 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
  • How to Watch Italy vs Israel There’s a lot on the line as Italy hosts Israel in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, with the home team still in contention to finish first in UEFA Group I.
    — Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • There's no comic relief or light moments to take you away from the tough topics, which makes Guadagnino's piece stick with you long after the credits have finished rolling.
    — Rachel Choy, Refinery29, 14 Oct. 2025
Definition of finish
Verb
  • But her six-figure salary didn’t stop her from using the Foundation as her personal piggy bank, records show.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Witkoff, Rubio, and Kushner then streamlined the proposal to a two-phase structure—first, a ceasefire and exchange of hostages and prisoners to stop the fighting; second, a framework for Gaza's future, including disarmament and a technocratic transitional government.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Oct. 2025
Definition of stop
Verb
  • Harrison’s nomination came after his time on General Hospital concluded in 2024.
    — Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The initial analysis, concluded on August 8, 2025, confirmed the skull was that of an adult, but could not provide further conclusive information.
    — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • Coulson, a Miami lawyer, died unexpectedly last month.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Which is interesting, given that Lillard died in the first film.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2025
Definition of die
Noun
  • His team sees the deal as a start, not an ending.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Oct. 2025
  • This is the latest Showtime series to announce its ending in the wake of the Paramount-Skydance merger.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Definition of ending
Noun
  • Led by Zurich, played by Trevor Jackson, the group is pushed to their mental and physical limits while trying to maintain their grades, relationships, and sense of self.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025
  • What’s more, these systems can generate more output, allowing the efficiency of a quantum engine to exceed the conventional Carnot limit.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of limit
Noun
  • One of the most effective vehicles for accomplishing all of this is a charitable remainder annuity trust, known as a CRAT.
    — Andre Pennington, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The prediction of an above-average remainder of the season is based on a combination of factors, including warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Seas, and an active West African Monsoon.
    — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
Definition of remainder
Noun
  • The firm’s ultimate goal is to license the technology as well as making it.
    — Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Skinner leads the team with two goals, while Celebrini, Smith, and Dmitry Orlov have three assists each.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
Definition of goal

Phrases Containing end

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encysts
end
endamage
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Cite this Entry

“End.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/end. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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