Thesaurus

finish

Q: How does the verb 'finish' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of finish are close , complete , conclude , end , and terminate . While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," finish may stress completion of a final step in a process. // after it is painted, the house will be finished

Q: When would 'close' be a good substitute for 'finish'?

The words close and finish can be used in similar contexts, but close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished. // close a debate

Q: When can 'complete' be used instead of 'finish'?

The synonyms complete and finish are sometimes interchangeable, but complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken. // the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Q: Where would 'conclude' be a reasonable alternative to 'finish'?

The meanings of conclude and finish largely overlap; however, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting). // the service concluded with a blessing

Q: When could 'end' be used to replace 'finish'?

Although the words end and finish have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality. // ended his life

Q: In what contexts can 'terminate' take the place of 'finish'?

The words terminate and finish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space. // your employment terminates after three months

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of finish

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done

we should finish the painting of the house by tomorrow

Synonyms for finish

Words Related to finish

Phrases Synonymous with finish

get through

Near Antonyms for finish

2 to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point

we'll finish the concert before dark

Synonyms for finish

Words Related to finish

climax,
crown

consummate,
perfect

Phrases Synonymous with finish

Antonyms for finish

3 to come to an end

the three-day race finished yesterday

Synonyms for finish

Words Related to finish

Phrases Synonymous with finish

bite the dust

Near Antonyms for finish

Antonyms for finish

finish

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of finish (Entry 2 of 2)

1 the last part of a process or action

a pie-eating contest is the fair's traditional finish

Synonyms for finish

Words Related to finish

Near Antonyms for finish

Antonyms for finish

2 the stopping of a process or activity

an all-out fight right to the finish

Synonyms for finish

Words Related to finish

mop-up,
phaseout

Near Antonyms for finish

Antonyms for finish

Frequently Asked Questions About finish

How does the verb finish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of finish are close, complete, conclude, end, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When would close be a good substitute for finish?

The words close and finish can be used in similar contexts, but close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

When can complete be used instead of finish?

The synonyms complete and finish are sometimes interchangeable, but complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement