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final

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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
Once there is a final design, the city will be able to seek grants and other funding for the project. Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025 Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
Frank followed the exact same path with Brentford but, crucially, was the club’s first-choice following Postecoglou’s dismissal two weeks after winning the Europa League final. Jay Harris, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025 Hernandez made a run to the girls' state finals in long jump, triple jump and high jump, prompting Trump to send a Truth Social post in the days ahead of the event warning Newsom and the state not to allow a trans athlete to compete in the girls' events. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • Adebayo, who missed only four games last season, sat out for the first time this season with a sprained left big toe.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The trauma of last weekend will require patient rehabilitation and mental care.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In certain sources, silence speaks loudly.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Hawley defeated New Life in two sets back on September 20 and showed off its dominance again to open the state semifinal.
    Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Freshman Rashad McCants scored 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting for the Tar Heels, who were coached in the Preseason NIT semifinal by former Jayhawk assistant Matt Doherty.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Missouri Tigers will face their first power conference test Wednesday.
    Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people, including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
    Kelly McGreal , Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
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
  • Coaching is stable under Jon Scheyer, who starts his fourth season after replacing the legendary Mike Krzyzewski.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The fund aims to support original game projects from the R&D phase with early-stage capital, offering Taiwanese development teams stable financial backing and professional guidance to transform their ideas into internationally competitive original IPs.
    Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Holding back tears, Marta called out the uselessness of comparing this season to last year’s championship run.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • And the two teams that advance to the championship game will play an extra game (83rd game) for the in-season tournament title that won’t count toward the regular season.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Kim Kardashian did not pass the bar exam, according to her Instagram stories.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The result comes after Kardashian previously failed the California bar exam three times.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on final

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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