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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
  • Federal policy calls for additional nuclear capacity, including efforts to begin construction of 10 new large reactors by 2030 and increase the maximum operating power of existing reactors.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • He's made just 15 Cup Series starts and somehow turned those limited opportunities into maximum impact, winning twice.
    Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 9 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
  • Drizzle with remaining chili crisp solids and/or additional chili crisp, if desired.
    Kate Williams, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The escalating tally underscores how far the two sides remain from resolving a crisis that has choked the Strait of Hormuz for more than five months.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 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
  • So there’s something really cathartic about watching Ulf — the lowliest, most base, comedic and ludicrous of all the Targaryens and dragonriders — beating him.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Because of safe, effective immunizations, most Americans do not remember vaccine preventable deaths and have never known anyone disabled from illnesses like smallpox, measles, rubella, whooping cough, or polio.
    Dr. Marianne Parshley, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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