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
In early 2025, the hospital’s ethics committee approved the clinical trial, before the final results of one of the preclinical studies on monkeys was released, Science reported. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 Officials are hopeful that the immediate areas near the stadium will be done by the middle of August, and the final configuration will be ready. Mac Engel july 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Noun
Infantino had seemed — 11 days ago after the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey — to have a clear path to being reelected unopposed for a fourth and final term in office through 2031. ABC News, 31 July 2026 Born Khalif Brown, the rapper just performed at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • Zepeda arrives off a loss to Shakur Stevenson last summer, the same Stevenson who has already signed with Zuffa Boxing.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Available listings in June increased by only 4% versus the same period last year, Rollins indicated.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Trump on Monday announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on certain Canadian imports, citing what officials called trade discrimination against American companies in the dairy, auto and alcohol industries.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Now, after mounting the American League’s second-best record since June 1, the picture is less certain.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • England reached the semifinal with one of its most talented teams in decades and its own hero, Harry Kane.
    Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The 2-0 win against France in the semifinal was by far its best performance and one that caught the attention of the world.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • The agent, which was powered by some of OpenAI’s most advanced models, ran amok during a security test.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 22 July 2026
  • This great, once improbable, step into the unknown has the potential to bring tests against Milan, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, and nights like never before at the Stadium of Light.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 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 American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.
    Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • The other patients -- a male child, a 23-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman -- are in stable condition, according to the hospital.
    Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 27 July 2026
  • Miami’s German Berterame was hospitalized after landing on his head from an in-air collision and appearing to lose consciousness, but is said to now be stable and undergoing tests.
    Greg Cote July 26, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • These strategic acquisitions aim to strengthen the Yankees' roster for their championship aspirations.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • One major difference is that sports are weighted based on NFHS and statewide participation numbers and the number of championships awarded by the GHSA.
    Chip Saye, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • For some, a change of education minister and an overhaul of the exam system are now not enough.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Instead, typically, doctors have to run different tests and combine that with your history and exam findings.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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