Synonyms of finish

finish 1 of 2

verb

ˈfi-nish 

1

as in to complete

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

we should finish the painting of the house by tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

• complete
• finalize
• accomplish
• polish
• perfect
• fulfill
• fulfil
• get through
• execute
• do
• consummate
• achieve
• improve
• perform
• effect
• carry out
• stick out
• enhance
• refine
• better
• carry through
• amend
• follow through (with)
• shine
• machine
• ameliorate
• enrich
• discharge
• round (off or out)
• touch up
• meliorate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• drop
• quit
• abandon
• discontinue
• forsake
• desert

2

as in to end

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

we'll finish the concert before dark

Synonyms & Similar Words

• end
• conclude
• complete
• close
• wind up
• round (off or out)
• terminate
• wrap up
• put paid to
• crown
• ring down the curtain (on)
• close out
• perfect
• climax
• consummate
• suspend
• stop
• halt

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• begin
• start
• open
• commence
• inaugurate

3

as in to stop

to come to an end

the three-day race finished yesterday

Synonyms & Similar Words

• end
• stop
• conclude
• expire
• cease
• halt
• go
• pass
• close
• die
• terminate
• determine
• discontinue
• quit
• wind up
• elapse
• leave off
• stall
• break off
• lapse
• let up
• break up
• bite the dust
• wink (out)
• dead-end
• stay
• refrain (from)
• desist (from)
• lay off (of)
• pause
• suspend
• pack (up or in)
• cut out
• give over
• break down
• knock off
• wind down
• abate
• peter (out)
• conk (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• persist
• hang on
• extend
• prolong
• draw out
• protract

finish

2 of 2

noun

1

as in ending

the last part of a process or action

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ending
• end
• conclusion
• finale
• closing
• close
• culmination
• finis
• homestretch
• climax
• wrap-up
• endgame
• grand finale
• consummation
• windup
• capper
• mop-up
• top
• pinnacle
• summit
• peak
• coup de grace
• capstone
• crescendo
• crown
• copestone
• high-water mark
• tip-top
• epilogue
• apex
• zenith
• meridian
• epilog
• coda
• aftermath
• postscript
• tail end
• coup de grâce
• tag end
• anticlimax
• acme
• shank

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• start
• beginning
• opening
• baseline
• dawn
• day one
• introduction
• preface
• prologue
• prelude
• preamble
• nascence
• overture
• nascency
• foreword
• prolog

2

as in end

the stopping of a process or activity

an all-out fight right to the finish

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ending
• end
• halt
• cessation
• close
• conclusion
• stop
• closure
• stay
• shutdown
• cease
• cutoff
• offset
• stoppage
• termination
• arrest
• discontinuation
• discontinuance
• shutoff
• expiration
• lapse
• check
• closedown
• pause
• surcease
• suspension
• arrestment
• interruption
• phaseout
• break
• mop-up
• layoff
• standstill
• moratorium
• abeyance
• letup

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuation
• continuance
• extension
• persistence
• prolongation

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

Recent Examples of finish

Verb

Remove it from the dryer while still slightly damp, then hang it on a clothesline or lay flat to finish air drying. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025

The theme relies on pigments, heavyweight constructions and finishing effects to tell its story. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

Noun

Bleach can weaken wood, damage the finish, or cause discoloration over time. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025

Gone are the overtly yellowy, orangey tones and high-shine finishes. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025