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

The final deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2027. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026 During today's excursion, the same two astronauts will venture out into space, tethered to the space station, to install the eighth and final roll-out solar array. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Noun

This was the teams' first meeting at T-Mobile Arena since Arizona beat UCLA in the 2023 Pac-12 tournament final for the second year in a row. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 Both droughts ended Thursday when Winter Park sophomore Eden Bastian won the girls championship in an all-Orange County final, and Windermere High’s Ryan Martin came out of the loser’s bracket to win the boys title. — Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for final

Recent Examples of Synonyms for final

Adjective

Two 17-year-olds were arrested in the death of 16-year-old Samuel Esteban Navarrete, who was shot and killed at a Fort Worth apartment complex last month.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Defending champion Indiana was ranked fourth — eight spots ahead of Ohio State, which beat the Hoosiers last month but has since lost quarterback Julian Sayin.

— Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of last

Noun

If Gotham wins, that semifinal will be played at Gotham’s home field.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
Lockport let a 1-0 halftime lead slip away Friday night as Glenbrook South rallied for a 2-1 overtime win in a Class 3A state semifinal at Rockford Guilford.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of semifinal

Noun

The two tests indicate that Pyongyang is working on dispersal warheads for both tactical ballistic missiles and strategic cruise missiles.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
APIs allow researchers to automate prompts, standardize experiments, collect responses and large volumes of data, as well as test models at scale, making results easier to compare and reproduce.

— Katie McQue, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of test

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

In a unanimous vote, the 44 senators present voted to remove Peña for misconduct in office, bringing a dramatic end to one of South America's most stable presidencies.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
This bike would make a lot more sense if my feet were solid and stable underneath me.

— Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of stable

Noun

Last year, the Horned Frogs rode the dynamic duo of Olivia Miles and Marta Suarez to the Elite Eight and a regular season Big 12 championship and trip to the Elite Eight.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the restriction on Friday after multiple appeals from the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, allowing the country’s men’s and women’s teams to compete in the 2027 championships.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of championship

Noun

Old walls that once separated the exam rooms have been ripped down, leaving a large open space.

— Noelle Alviz-Gransee Updated November 2, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Most tutoring services in Santa Monica cover core academic subjects including math, reading, writing, and science, with many also offering test prep for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

— Karen Koehler, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of exam

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finagling

final

finale

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Style

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of final

adjective

noun

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