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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
Baltimore Ravens The Ravens finished the 2024 season ranked 31st in passing yards allowed. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025 Aaron Nesmith made two free throws for the Pacers, Brunson was well off on a 3-point attempt and Turner finished it out with two free throws. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
Altogether, the result is a sweet-and-crunchy experience that blends velvety texture with a nutty, satisfying finish. Moná Thomas, People.com, 23 May 2025 Scheffler's epic finish, going 5-under over his final five holes, included the daunting 'Green Mile' stretch of 16 through 18. Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for finish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finish
Verb
  • Leadership Northwest Indiana program completed The Leadership Institute at Purdue University Northwest recently graduated its 2024-25 Leadership Northwest Indiana program cohort.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • After a double by Aliyah Binford and infield single by Lexie Brady put runners at the corners, Ole Miss successfully completed a double steal.
    Ethan Westerman, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • The new legislation is the latest in a flurry of bills introduced by Democratic lawmakers aimed at ending the ability of presidents and members of Congress to own or oversee businesses that issue or promote crypto products.
    Michelle Conlin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Celebrating Rubio’s announcement, Miami Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar claimed that ending the Chevron license provides a crippling blow to Maduro’s finances.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The chase reportedly ended when Buckley wrecked near the intersection of Watts and McAlister streets, an area of mostly forest about 1 1/2 miles southeast of where Buckley was first stopped.
    Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • The former analyst ends up becoming a critical new addition to the gang in their mission to stop the Entity from destroying the world.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The Cheers finale carves out happy endings for several of its cast members.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025
  • My ending was harmonizing the situation of the movie, that the family is coming together at the end, and Laura is part of the family and wants to go back to the family.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • However, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought Broadway to a halt, Koguchi found herself in a foreign country, unable to perform.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
  • People magazine similarly reported the relationship has come to a halt.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Their research concluded that nearly 40% of dogs tested positive for the disease.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • The Liberty have concluded their months-long victory lap that started with a trip down the Canyon of Heroes and ended among the world’s biggest pop-culture superstars at the Met Gala.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Means' Oregon medical license expired in 2019 and was moved to inactive in January 2024.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Without any action at all, the SALT cap would expire—before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), Trump’s big 2017 tax cut, there was no cap on the SALT deduction, other than the Pease limitations, which generally limits deductions for high-income taxpayers.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • My conclusion, not to spoil the ending, is that the real bonus offered by a meal kit is sauces, spices, and flavors, doled out in small portions rather than large jars.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 18 May 2025
  • Southampton is set to finish last in the Premier League standings and will be facing relegation after the conclusion of their next two matches.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Finish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finish. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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