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Definition of lastnext
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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
But last week, Glendale Development Partners stopped work on the project. Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 June 2026 The workers’ mundane chores while closing a local bakery for the night are interrupted by last-minute customers, a random passer-by and two criminals who have vague plans for a robbery. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
Verb
Refreshingly, that might be the most honest thing anyone can say about a family eatery that has lasted this long. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 3 June 2026 Each insert lasts about 40 hours, so pick up some refills. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • Arsenal fans flock to final Few people understand Arsenal’s global fanbase like Smith – a man who has fostered a community of listeners from around the world from his home in the United States.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Ogwumike’s clutch shot was needed because the Sparks (4-3) squandered an eight-point lead in the final 4½ minutes.
    Daily News, Daily News, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The jobs apocalypse is not yet here, but governments waiting for conclusive evidence of it will be acting too late.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 24 May 2026
  • However, no conclusive evidence ever surfaced to confirm those claims.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • Each count carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10-million fine.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • These can be booked as individual rooms or entire units for large groups or those who want maximum privacy.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Two men died and one woman survived a helicopter crash leaving a wedding in North Georgia on Friday night, the coroner confirmed.
    Samantha Hogan, AJC.com, 1 June 2026
  • There's no doubt that when temperatures start to rise and approach 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the only way to survive is to find places with fans or air conditioning, or, if possible, escape to the beach or pool to cool off.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • But the long-term threat to critical HIV/AIDS programming remains.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Severe Pruning Pruning tomato plants can be helpful in promoting air flow and fruit production, but removing too many leaves at one time can cause the plant to protect its remaining leaves by curling them in response.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 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 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
  • Pérez argues that intelligence penetration was decisive in Venezuela and believes similar efforts would almost certainly precede any Cuba operation.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune and members of the Republican establishment are now beginning to build bridges with Paxton in the wake of his decisive victory, Axios reports.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • The controversy surrounding Ganesha revolves around most of the players taking online classes outside of the Pomona area and being part of Sandler’s club program.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • The facility will run around the clock, with most workers on four 10-hour shifts, with three days off.
    Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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