finalist

noun

Definition of finalistnext
1
as in champion

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Dissimilar Words
2
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 Jha is the author of four books, the latest of which is the novel Intemperance, a finalist for the Aspen Words Literary Prize and the Washington State Book Award 2026. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026 This poetic début novel, a finalist for the Booker Prize, is narrated largely by an unnamed curator who specializes in reconstructing scenes from the past. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 At the start of the CVFF finalist process, Li spoke of the financial challenges of running a young brand. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Big Tex Choice Award finalist Flamin’ Crunch Pizza, of Tommy G’s Catering, used 15,000 bags of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for finalist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finalist
  1. champion
  2. semifinalist
  3. champ
  4. placer
  5. winner
  6. conqueror
Noun
  • The two teams will face a rematch of last year’s first-round game and both are district champions, but one of them will have to make the six-hour road trip.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Inspired by Lewis Hamilton The 19-year-old will once again line up on a grid featuring seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of champion
Noun
  • Founded in 2010 in Xiamen, Fujian province, Ms Min became one of the first Chinese designers to become a LVMH Prize semifinalist.
    — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Orlando was a playoff semifinalist last season and NWSL champions in 2024.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of semifinalist
Noun
  • As this season’s winner, Petts will eventually compete in the series’ Champion of Champions episode against season-21 champ Joanna Page and the winners of the next three seasons.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Soccer starts Montverde Academy, last season’s 3A girls state champs, defeated two-time defending big-school state champ Lake Mary 2-1 in a Tuesday night season opener.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of champ
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
  • Rooms are spacious and comfortable, but the real winner here is the buzzy rooftop bar serving excellent pisco sours.
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Among governors, 32 of the 34 victorious candidates in races where AP called a winner support stronger regulation or restrictions.
    — Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of winner
Noun
  • Rubio’s idea of the West is both messier and simpler, populated by muscular explorers and conquerors, from Alexander the Great and the Frankish king Charlemagne to the conquistador Hernán Cortés and the frontiersmen of the American West.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of conqueror

Browse Nearby Words

finales
finalist
finalists
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Cite this Entry

“Finalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finalist. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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