FINALISTS Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

finalists

noun

plural of finalist

as in placers

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in semifinalists

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

noncompetitors

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 finalists Gilgeous-Alexander — the reigning NBA MVP — is one of the finalists for this year’s top individual honor, along with Denver’s Nikola Jokic and the Spurs’ Wembanyama, who is also a finalist for defensive player of the year. — Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 Auriemma, Ralph named Coach of the Year finalists UConn coach Geno Auriemma was also named a finalist for Naismith Coach of the Year on Wednesday. — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026 Miguel had brought Reina’s résumé to Nakia as one of two finalists, the other finalist being a guy who had done a year at Le Cordon Bleu. — Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for finalists

Noun

But not this year, as the entire team is shut out despite being the reigning champs.

— Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Though Georgia fans aren't thrilled with their recent lack of CFP success, the Dawgs are still reigning SEC champs and look like the favorites to win the league again in 2026, so Kirby's seat is ice cold.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of champs

Noun

For years, monthly job gains of around 125,000 to 150,000 were considered necessary to offset entrants into the workforce.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Suppliers have huge bargaining power; price competition is fierce as is pressure to innovate; the cost for new entrants to participate is dropping; and customers face low switching costs and a strong incentive to find the best value.

— Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of entrants

Noun

The blockbuster earned the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x, as well as Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, their first champions on the ranking.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Kuwaki already has won twice this year and is fourth on the money list on the Japan LPGA, the tour that has produced five recent major champions, including Yamashita, Mao Saigo, Yuka Saso and Ayaka Furue.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of champions

Noun

There are also plenty of trainers – two-time Triple Crown winner Bob Baffert among them – who rarely balk at running Derby winners back two weeks later in the Preakness.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
By contrast, the clearest long-term winners treated the creation of customer value as primary and used digital technology, and later AI, as means to that end.

— Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of winners

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finalist

finalists

finalities

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“Finalists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finalists. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of finalists

noun

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