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
Instead, the past week has been spent relitigating the final nanoseconds of the Wolverines’ 13-12 victory against Western Michigan. Austin Meek, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
During the final of three pre-trial hearings in the criminal case involving Deputy Richard Fatherley, 29th Judicial District Court Judge Aaron Roberts ruled that the state did not submit substantial probable cause to move that case to trial. Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Sixty-three million Americans watched the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Ben Reynolds, Sportico.com, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • His calmness on the ball and ability to break lines with his passing is important to Hurzeler’s style of play — no goalkeeper made more passes last season.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Warren, on the other hand, was humbled last week in a 35-point defeat to Fountain Lake.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Albion, newly relegated from the Premier League and promotion favourites, were certain to come to town and win this local derby on the opening day.
    Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • People with thyroid disease, kidney, liver or heart problems, or those taking NSAIDs, opiate pain medications or certain antidepressants can actually take in too much water.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In 2024, the teams faced off in a CFP semifinal, which the Buckeyes won 28-14 on their way to the championship.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Ohio State knocked the Longhorns out of the 2024 CFP in the Cotton Bowl semifinal, 28-14, on their way to that season's national title, then beat them again 14-7 in last year's season opener.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Now, with an opener against the Seahawks on the horizon, a first test of just how far Mike Vrabel’s team has come awaits.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The device has already been operated in a test environment through the Fujitsu Hybrid Quantum Computing Platform.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 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
  • Nuclear power, where viable, can offer another source of relatively stable generation costs.
    Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Don also taught his son how to be a light for people who need him, how to be level-headed and stable and how to deal with adversity.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • With Gene Chizik as the head coach, the Tigers won the 2010 BCS national championship.
    Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Trump purchased the resort in 2014, and the R&A, which organizes the championship, has not brought The Open back to the property since the acquisition, while consistently citing logistical issues as the biggest hurdle.
    Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • However, growth on STAAR exams is similar to that of peer campuses, the study found.
    Samuel O’Neal September 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Signs of traumatic injury were found during a postmortem exam, authorities said.
    Brandon Downs, CBS News, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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