final 1 of 2

Definition of finalnext

final

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective final contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of final are last, terminal, and ultimate. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When would last be a good substitute for final?

The meanings of last and final largely overlap; however, 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 terminal instead of final?

While in some cases nearly identical to final, terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

When is ultimate a more appropriate choice than final?

The synonyms ultimate and final are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 final
Adjective
Baseball region final Game 1 winners were Hagerty, Orangewood, TFA, Lake Minneola and Bishop Moore. Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026 The location for each final, plus the date and time, will be announced later. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
Noun
Staking out a 2-1 edge at BMO Stadium, LAFC didn’t require a perfect performance to reach the final. Josh Gross, Daily News, 10 May 2026 The University of San Diego’s men’s tennis team defeated UC Santa Barbara 4-2 Friday afternoon in a first-round NCAA Tournament match at the Hogan Tennis Center on campus and will play UCLA at noon Saturday in their regional final. Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • In a rematch of last year’s championship, Jefferson defeated Oconee County 4-3 on penalty kicks to win the girls 3A state title Tuesday at Duluth High School.
    Sarah Spencer, AJC.com, 13 May 2026
  • Two losses in last month’s three league matches gave the impression of momentum slipping, and even if performances improved towards the end of April, something different was needed to shift the energy towards the club.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The condition is not uncommon and somewhat prevalent in certain breeds like various Spaniels, certain Hounds, some Retrievers, and some giant dog breeds.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
  • Martin said the Vatican had been clear that the Vatican's 2023 declaration limited blessing of same-sex couples only under certain circumstances.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Another thriller is on the cards when Bayern Munich hosts Paris Saint-Germain for round two of their free-scoring Champions League semifinal.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 May 2026
  • Foremost for Nelson, a softball recruit for Columbia in New York, likely would be leading the Green Wave to a second straight regional title and advancing further than last year’s sectional semifinal.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The column gossiped about which journalists and pundits did not pass the new purity test.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • Most programmes here include having a 3GL test upon arrival, to show how your body is metabolising its food which then allows the nutritionist to tailor make your meals which include two snacks between breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 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
  • The bigger lesson from the Strait of Hormuz crisis is that efficiency may work in a stable world, but falls apart in an unstable one.
    Victor Nian, Fortune, 10 May 2026
  • Chinese state media said the robots can navigate difficult terrain and operate as stable mobile weapons platforms resistant to recoil and blast impacts.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • That came a day after Montverde Academy junior Samuel Johnson, already in the exclusive 50 foot club, jumped 50-4¼ to take the 2A championship.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
  • After coaching this season under an expiring contract, the four-time championship coach has agreed to a new two-year deal, a league source confirmed to the Bay Area News Group on Saturday.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Canvas is an application that allows students and faculty to virtually upload assignments, grade coursework and complete exams.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • Most nursing school graduates are routinely approved, but over the past three years, the board has stopped hundreds of people with diplomas from Operation Nightingale schools from sitting for the exam.
    Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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