FINAL Synonyms: 180 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

final 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfī-nᵊl

Definition of final

as in last

following all others of the same kind in order or time this will be my final order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in certain

having been established and usually not subject to change the wedding date is final

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

final

2 of 2

noun

as in semifinal

Related Words

as in test

Related Words

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 the final season, as the survivors race to bury their sins before rescue arrives and an old flame roars back into town with plans of her own. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 This is partly why some reports indicated that the move is not final—at least not yet. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

She was last seen publicly at the 2026 World Cup final on July 19. — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 In the final of the 2014 edition, Germany lifted its fourth title after a 1-0 extra-time win against Lionel Messi's Argentina. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for final

Recent Examples of Synonyms for final

Adjective

The Starship Entertainment girl group, who debuted in February of 2025, were one of the main acts to perform on the 88rising stage at the festival last weekend, produced by 88rising and Goldenvoice.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Gas, diesel & jet fuel spike Fuel prices are sharply higher than this point last summer, though still not as high as many feared when the Iran war started.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of last

Adjective

That tariff rate was later reduced to 15% when the two sides agreed on a trade deal, but uncertainty remains about the stability of that agreement and how imports of certain European goods, such as steel, will be taxed by Washington.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
The sheriffs said Scott reiterated CBP was still not building a steel bollard wall in the park but said vehicle barriers may remain part of the plan in certain locations.

— Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of certain

Noun

Saturday was the first game without a goal for LAFC since losing to another Mexican side, Toluca, 4-0 on May 6 in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal.

— Josh Gross, Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
Kirk got the win with 5 1/3 innings to beat NorCal in the unofficial state title game in the region opener on Sunday, two days before Martinez hurled a complete-game one-hitter to beat Hawaii in the region semifinal.

— Dennis Pope, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of semifinal

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

Definition of latest

Adjective

Global economic instability has created unease at home, and a property crisis coupled with high youth unemployment has convinced some residents that securing a stable job within the government is the best path.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Both males were listed in stable condition, according to Boisvert.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of stable

Noun

Only 35 girls are admitted to the school every year out of 150 who are invited to participate in an entrance exam on the basis of their grades.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
The company first disclosed in July that during a cybersecurity exam, a combination of its AI agents with internal safeguards purposely lowered escaped their testing environment through a previously unknown bug.

— Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of exam

Browse Nearby Words

finagling

final

finale

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Style

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of final

adjective

noun

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