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Definition of lastnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective last contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of last are final, terminal, and ultimate. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped.

last page of a book
last news we had of him

When is it sensible to use final instead of last?

In some situations, the words final and last are roughly equivalent. However, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When can terminal be used instead of last?

The synonyms terminal and last are sometimes interchangeable, but terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

When is ultimate a more appropriate choice than last?

While in some cases nearly identical to last, ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible.

the ultimate collapse of the system

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 last
Adjective
The first taste of this new strategy debuted last summer when Lucky teamed up with pop star Addison Rae on new low-rise jeans. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2026 Cleaver, who has represented the district since 2005, was unopposed in the Democratic primary but faces an uphill battle in the general election after the state legislature redrew the district last year to lean Republican. Abc News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
The landslide comes amid the country’s rainy season, which usually lasts from June to September, and is known as Kiremt. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 Even a relatively calm season can end up leaving a lasting mark. Ben Noll, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • A bit of final lagniappe handed to the BKTrustee was a ruling that all the assets of the Children's Trust was determined to be part of the Kittrells' bankruptcy estate.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Minnesota stopped a four-game skid and moved within one-half game of Texas for the final AL wild card, tied with AL Central rival Cleveland.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In case of a nuclear attack on the US, nuclear forensics experts will have to investigate the incident and arrive at conclusive proof of where the material originated from.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
  • So, a strange ending for one of Netflix’s best shows, but three seasons and a conclusive movie are now in Netflix’s catalog for anyone to watch.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • The drone is powered by a small two-stroke piston engine, allowing a maximum speed of approximately 160 km/h.
    Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Where sodium-ion batteries could make the biggest impact Rather than competing directly with every lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion technology appears best suited to applications where cost and reliability outweigh maximum range.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • An experienced professional can keep the same title for years while AI gradually assumes the very tasks that once demonstrated expertise, so the position survives even as the activities that once made the work feel meaningful begin to disappear.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Praveen is not the only non-Jew trying to ensure the community's culture survives.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hot spots still burned within a 420-square-kilometer (162-square-mile) scar, thousands remained unable to return home, and nearly 3,000 firefighters were deployed against the Gironde megafire and a second blaze in Provence.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This is a long-term problem the agency is working on, but remains unresolved.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
  • The American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.
    Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Crowley's mention of the Evers endorsement drew a round of applause at both of his campaign stops in New Glarus and Madison this week, but similar votes of confidence haven't always been decisive in other primaries.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Crowley’s mention of the Evers endorsement drew a round of applause at both of his campaign stops in New Glarus and Madison this week, but similar votes of confidence haven’t always been decisive in other primaries.
    Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The group has one more layer of output cuts involving most of its 21 members of around 2 million bpd dating back to 2022.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • When styled correctly, loafers are an all-day shoe that easily take you from the office to after-work drinks, while mom jeans—defined by their high-waist and relaxed fit—are appropriate for most settings while maintaining an effortless aura.
    Michel Mejía, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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