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
The deal will also unfreeze tens of billions of dollars in Iranian funds held in international banks as part of the final agreement. Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 June 2026 The Law Commission’s Digital Assets final report brought the issue into the present. Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
The Chiefs scored their only try six minutes from fulltime to avoid becoming the first team to be held scoreless in a Super Rugby final. ABC News, 20 June 2026 Then there is the possibility of defending champions Argentina, Brazil, England, Portugal, or another global power in the final. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • Clark also played in her 13th game of the season, matching her total from last year during an injury-riddled campaign.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • In last month’s local elections, which proved disastrous for Labour across the country, Reform UK won 24 of the 25 seats contested in the Wigan area.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Under the scheme, Parsi families who earn below a certain threshold can receive financial assistance for fertility treatment and childcare.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • At the same time, Congress did not affirmatively authorize the war with a use of force resolution, as has been done in certain other conflicts, including the Iraq War.
    Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Four years later in Italy, the waterworks went again, as those infernal penalty kicks tripped us up against West Germany in the semifinal.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • Led by legendary midfielder Luka Modrić, Croatia made the final in 2018, knocking out England in the semifinal, and finished third in 2022.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Jeromy Smith Jeromy Douglas Smith, 32, of Rosamond, was a flight test engineer assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron.
    Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
  • Teachers use it as a behavioral bargaining chip, administrators weigh playtime against sagging test scores and researchers argue over how best to structure the minutes.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 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
  • He was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.
    Jenna DeAngelis, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • The injured girl's mother is believed to have jumped from a second-floor window to safety and is in stable condition, the PFD confirmed to CBS News.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • The Chargers are also adding incoming freshman quarterback Emerson Andrews, whose father, David, played tight end at Ohio State and was a member of the 2002 national championship team.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • One of Hart’s notes centered on Smith’s claim that Villanova’s 2016 national championship roster lacked NBA-caliber prospects.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Nearly 2,300 people who obtained diplomas or transcripts from Noreus got licenses by passing the board exams and went on to work as nurses across the country, court documents said.
    James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
  • There will also be 24 new exam rooms, tripling the primary care exam space.
    Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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