ending 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of endingnext
as in concluding

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ending

2 of 3

noun

ˈen-diŋ How to pronounce ending (audio)
1
as in end
the last part of a process or action the plagiarism scandal was a disgraceful ending to a once-promising academic career

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2
as in cessation
the stopping of a process or activity the best part about any dental procedure is its ending

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ending

3 of 3

verb

present participle of end
1
as in finishing
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 stopping
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 expiring
to come to an end a book so good that you hate to see it end

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4
as in dying
to stop living a great general, who ended on the field of battle

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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 ending
Noun
Blood clots have the potential to be life-threatening, not just season-ending. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 As a result, spoiler vigilance is no longer just a matter of not giving away the ending of a film; sometimes even simply describing its over-all dramatic shape is enough to preclude suspense. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
Deputies returned fire, wounding Mullennix and ending the confrontation. — Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026 The Justice Department has sued California and other states over their trans-inclusive sports policies, and successfully threatened large hospitals into ending gender-affirming care programs. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ending
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ending
  1. closing
  2. end
  3. cessation
  4. finishing
  5. stopping
  6. concluding
  7. dying
  8. passing
Adjective
  • The question is whether the post-closing company can afford to do all of it while servicing that debt, integrating two enormous businesses, achieving the synergies its financing assumes, funding streaming and deleveraging on schedule.
    — Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In my experience, IP analysis also impacts post-closing integration assumptions around product and platform continuity, as well as revenue protection mechanisms tied to exclusivity and licensing integrity.
    — Keegan Caldwell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of closing
Noun
  • The buyer of Lindy’s could keep the old-school steakhouse running, rebrand it or pursue other options for the property, with a sale expected to close by the end of the year.
    — Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The stunning eat-in kitchen is updated with high end custom cabinetry, a center island with room for seating on one side and a workspace surrounding the kitchen sink.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of end
Noun
  • Abrupt cessation of this class can even trigger a rebound worse than baseline.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Similarly, access to smoking-cessation treatment and harm-reduction resources varies substantially from country to country.
    — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of cessation
Verb
  • In 2024 the Dolphins began that season 2-6 before finishing out the year 6-3.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The franchise man continues to build a strong rapport with his receivers, finishing 23-of-41 for 276 yards with a touchdown pass to Matthew Golden, who led the game with 104 yards on six grabs.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of finishing
Verb
  • While Joseph was productive with his legs, garnering 71 yards and one touchdown, the Bruins were effectively stopping the run — a theme consistent throughout the season — limiting the Badger running backs to 54 yards.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Dylan, who adheres to a constant tour schedule and shows no signs of stopping soon, was 75 years-old when given his Nobel.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of stopping
Verb
  • Even if cooler heads had not quite prevailed by this point in the episode, the concluding plot twist would have forced matters in that direction.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Its two-day Filmmaker Forum, concluding today, lists regular registration at $125, including festival access.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of concluding
Verb
  • At the same time, Harris, closer in age to his part than the women, moves and sounds like the old cowboys, with an affecting note of sorrow — the lion dying, and dying with regrets — sounding throughout his performance.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Amaya says researchers have already seen evidence of sea birds dying in response to warmer water temperatures along the coast.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of dying
Adjective
  • Running back Ousmane Kromah has 565 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while receivers Jayvan Boggs, Duce Robinson and Michai Danzy can all make plays in the passing game.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Bo Nix continues to struggle to get the passing game going and Seattle’s defense remains among the league’s best across most major statistical categories, making this a tough matchup on a short week.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of passing

Browse Nearby Words

endgames
ending
endings
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Cite this Entry

“Ending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ending. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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