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last

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verb

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 Hollywood Reporter detailed in a cover story last year that Zendaya and Levinson’s relationship also cooled during the break. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 Natural Cycles, which raised $55 million in Series C funding last year, received FDA clearance to integrate data with the Oura ring and Apple Watch in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Following an investigation lasting several months by SMPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, police identified a 25-year-old resident of Oakland as the primary suspect and a 22-year-old resident of Oakland as the driver of the suspect vehicle, authorities said. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025 After lasting just 2 2/3 innings in his Division Series outing, Bieber delivered on his trade deadline promise. Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • His family said their final goodbyes to him during an emotional funeral procession on July 30, which took place in Birmingham.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The Las Vegas Raiders are making their final preparations for their Week 7 showdown against the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The initial analysis, concluded on August 8, 2025, confirmed the skull was that of an adult, but could not provide further conclusive information.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That means kimchi's beneficial bacteria could potentially offset the hypertensive effects of sodium, although the research is not conclusive.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 49ers’ 10 drops this season are tied for the fourth-most in the league.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Smith suffered a season-ending back injury that kept him out for most of the 2021 season.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • France’s government survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Thursday by a thin margin, giving the country a brief respite from intense political turmoil before what is expected to be another brutal battle over its budget.
    Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The heavily scarred accident survivor is taking physical therapy for her leg wounds months after surviving the Season 1 finale crash.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Razorbacks forced a punt and Green threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to O’Mega Blake with 2 seconds remaining to cut Texas A&M’s lead to 21-20 at halftime.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Interim coaches typically have an uphill battle to remain the head coach long-term.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
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 shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • But if the series pushes to a decisive seventh game, a World Series appearance on the line, Bieber will get the ball once more.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who cast the decisive fifth vote in a similar case from Alabama two years ago, reiterated his view that there should be an end point to racial remedies like this one.
    Nina Totenberg, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On Wednesday, Guatemala’s president announced the plans for a new maximum-security prison for 2,000 inmates that would be complete in a year.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Choose from 10 different power levels, from a low setting to maximum power for fast cooking.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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