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finish

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noun

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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

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 finish
Verb
Among the incumbent free agents from the Heat’s season-ending roster eligible to be signed elsewhere beginning on Monday are Alec Burks, Josh Christopher and Isaiah Stevens, with the latter two finishing last season on two-way deals. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025 Mark worked in the advertising industry After finishing high school, Mark attended Texas Christian University. Alex Gurley, People.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
Each stack was hand-poured to create a marbleized finish, and polished to sparkle. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2025 According to the brand, the Blanco tequila features notes of ripe pear, citrus zest and a crisp agave finish, while the Reposado offers flavors of cinnamon, vanilla and candied orange peel with a warm caramel finish. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for finish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finish
Verb
  • True Botanicals completed a series B funding round in March 2023, led by growth equity firm NextWorld Evergreen.
    Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • An early Merseyside derby at home to Everton completes a testing opening run, but ensures a first trip to their rival’s new home at Hill Dickinson Stadium is pushed back until the second half of the campaign.
    Colin Millar, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Last month, the Supreme Court allowed the administration to end the work permits and deportation protections of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans TPS recipients.
    June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
  • Despite stocks dipping slightly after President Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. would end all trade talks with Canada, the S&P 500 recovered to close at a record high -- 6,173.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Without any consequences, this autocratic politician will continue to push the limits of his authority beyond the breaking point until someone forces him to stop.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • The state will become the second following Utah to stop public utilities from fluoridating water.
    Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • This ending brought a sense of closure to Marge, who is now in heaven with Beatles member Ringo Starr.
    Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 25 June 2025
  • Haliburton, by virtue of his framed quote, thinks about new endings often.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Loyalty is hard to maintain when authenticity falters and innovation halts.
    Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
  • The Tatum injury sent Boston’s dynastic rise into a screeching halt.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • What’s next: The Royals conclude their weekend series against the Padres on Sunday afternoon.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • In the study, scientists concluded further adaptation and the potential expansion of cropland may be needed to ensure food security and mitigate climate impacts.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Messi left at the end of that season, his contract allowed to expire, while Neymar also departed.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The Trump administration in April froze most of its tariffs for 90 days to allow time for negotiations, with that pause due to expire on July 9.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • That said, this bit felt like a very important emotional conclusion, that real change had finally been achieved between these two characters.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 June 2025
  • What is a totalitarian leader other than an individualist taking that creed to its cruel conclusions, erasing the uniqueness of every other person into mere characters in a drama?
    Ed Simon June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Finish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finish. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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