FINALIST Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

finalist

noun

Definition of finalist

as in champion

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in semifinalist

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 finalist In recognition of those efforts, the Hornets have been named a finalist for ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026 At 37, Williams becomes the oldest finalist at the All England Club since Martina Navratilova was the 1994 runner-up at that age. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 The Brightline team was also recently named a finalist for the Sunshine State Awards’ A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism. — Dana Banker, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026 Her 6-3, 6-2 quarterfinal victory over 2024 Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini was Kostyuk’s 21st win out of her last 22 matches. — Takashi Williams, New York Times, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for finalist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for finalist

Noun

Errol Spence hasn't fought in three years, but the former world champion is climbing back into the ring on Saturday to take on another former champ in Tim Tszyu.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
The men’s doubles champions were Australia’s Matthew Ebden and John Peers, Italy’s Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini won women’s doubles gold and the mixed doubles went to the Czech Republic’s Kateřina Siniaková and Tomáš Macháč.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of champion

Noun

And twice a James Beard Award semifinalist, Hanna would change his tune on fine dining once COVID-19 and inflated food prices upended the industry.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026
On his way to reaching his first tour-level final in eight years, Damir Džumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina ran into it during his quarterfinal against Italy’s French Open semifinalist Matteo Arnaldi.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of semifinalist

Noun

Errol Spence hasn't fought in three years, but the former world champion is climbing back into the ring on Saturday to take on another former champ in Tim Tszyu.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Scheming against the defending state champs is already a difficult task for any coach, but the game plan got notably more intense Tuesday.

— McClain Baxley for the AJC, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of champ

Noun

The Democratic primary winner faces Rohlfing in November for a four-year term.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
The $400,000 Hirsch has drawn nominations from 13 fillies and mares, with the 1 1/16-mile winner also earning an automatic spot in the field for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

— Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026

Definition of winner

Noun

Topuria, for his part, has vowed to run it back with Gaethje, praising his conqueror while promising the story between them is far from over.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Barcelona and Manchester City (in both domestic cups) were their elite conquerors in those competitions, though the 7-2 scoreline of the second leg at Camp Nou was embarrassing.

— The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 26 May 2026

Definition of conqueror

Browse Nearby Words

finales

finalist

finalists

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Finalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finalist. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of finalist

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on finalist

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

parochial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes