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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
In contrast, one in four trucks sold in China in 2025 was electric, and the International Energy Agency estimates that China accounted for 90% of the 400,000 electric trucks sold globally last year. Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026 Just like Jessel ending her toast with a dig at Erin last episode, so goes Erin. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
For most people, protection provided by the vaccine lasts a lifetime. Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026 That will occupy a portion of the observatory's remaining journey to L2, which is expected to last about 12 more weeks. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • There’s a passage in the final movement when the full orchestra, reinforced by trumpets, trombones, tuba, and a thunder roll of timpani, clamber up to a teeth-rattling fortissimo.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The House passed the bill in a 262 to 159 vote on the final day that the lower chamber is in session before lawmakers leave Washington until after Election Day.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • SuperScan conducts a deeper investigation when a standard check isn’t conclusive.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2026
  • While not treated as conclusive, polygraph results often serve as a filter.
    Brian O'Neill, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As a result, the collective decay chain is blocked after the first decay, leaving the maximum emission rate proportional to N—the same scaling expected from independent atoms.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • If a family values privacy over maximum exposure, that is their choice.
    Tomas J. Philipson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The average company is 109 years old, and more than half have been in business for over a century, surviving global conflicts and adapting through multiple industrial revolutions.
    Sam Birchall, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The system would also need to survive punishing off-road conditions.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The coating is designed to remain effective after stamping, potentially allowing manufacturers to remove some processing steps used with untreated aluminum.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Switzerland, which has long remained neutral in international military conflicts, also moved to adopt a security policy on Friday that would protect itself from a future Russian attack.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 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
  • But both countries are vying for a decisive advantage on AI, with Trump warning that any efforts to regulate the technology would help China.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • These artists are working in very different places and from very different positions, but their images all seem to understand that a ‘decisive moment’ can happen under pressure.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Galatasaray squandered a 5-2 first-leg lead against Juventus in last season’s knockout play-off round, despite having a man advantage for most of the game.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Similarly, Zo — seen recently as the monster hunter in Na Hong-jin’s delirious sci-fi action epic, Hope — stays for most of the running time just the right side of smug entitlement.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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