FINALIST Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

finalist

noun

Definition of finalist

as in champion

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

as in semifinalist

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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 Acquired out of Cannes for a December release stateside by 1-2 Special, La Gradiva is a finalist in the competition to become France’s Oscar submission and will make its North American premiere at the 2026 Toronto Film Festival on Monday. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026 The series, by Maines and reporters Sally Kestin and Megan O’Matz, led to arrests, indictments and government reforms and was a finalist for the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting. — Sally Kestin, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026 His latest book, Three Tenses, a well as his Pulitzer Prize finalist Same Bed Different Dreams, are complex without resorting to gimmicks or cheap obfuscation that implies depth. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 Carter was recently named a finalist for the David Prize, an award given out by the Walentas Family Foundation (the same family behind the developer Two Trees) to New Yorkers with ideas for solving local problems. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for finalist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for finalist

Noun

Enthusiasts found a powerful champion in famed comedian and auto aficionado Jay Leno, who boasts more than 150 vehicles in his personal collection.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
The Panthers enter this year’s matchup as the defending Shula Bowl champions after defeating the Owls 38-28 last season in head coach Willie Simmons’ first year with the program.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of champion

Noun

Supperland, home to James Beard semifinalist beverage director Colleen Hughes, is a showpiece of the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group that’s no stranger to national attention.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026
Drastic Measures was a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar in 2024 and 2026 and advanced to finalist in 2023 in the same category, and Sanders in 2025 was a semifinalist in a new category, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of semifinalist

Noun

Most of the early mining there consisted of placer mining — extracting minerals from sand and gravel in river beds — and mining declined during the Civil War.

— John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 July 2026
Its breakout star is Parker Schnabel, a thirty-one-year-old who runs a placer mine in the Yukon that brought in fifty-one million dollars last year.

— Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Definition of placer

Noun

The Spread, headlined and executive produced by Oscar winner Javier Bardem, hails from Ozark co-creator Bill Dubuque, Sean Sansiveri and Fifth Season, with Kingsman helmer Matthew Vaughn set to direct.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
The Grammy winner’s label said the album signals a new chapter in which Miley (no last name) will honor the influence of her godmother, Dolly Parton.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of winner

Noun

Located at the junction of three continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa—the region has historically been a crossroads for conquerors, peoples, trade, and ideas.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026
In life, and in the novel, the German conquerors in their splendid uniforms make debonair remarks, as the French cultural and social figures who frequent the bar—collaborators—are thrilled to remain close to power.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of conqueror

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“Finalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finalist. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of finalist

noun

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