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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
Speaking to the state Transportation Commission last week in San Diego, Kosup stressed that another reason for the fenders is that Navy ships have also gotten larger since the bridge opened. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026 Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, who leads the 180 Church in Detroit, made the comments during a Dearborn City Council meeting last week. Geoff Harris, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
He was appointed to replace Edu, who lasted just under two years. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 But that year also brought the catastrophic stroke, beginning the health challenges that would last his lifetime. Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • Analysts point out that this is very likely the final World Cup of Ronaldo's career.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • On her final day, a report said she was asked to join The View.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Outer Banks season 5 has arrived and ended the series on a rather conclusive note, indicating there won’t be a secret sixth season to bring things back and undo the series finale.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Yet the Hoosiers’ march to the top was also thorough and conclusive.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • One of the most powerful figures in Iran has said that the US campaign of maximum economic pressure will fail — in a further sign that Iran’s hardline leadership is unwilling to compromise despite a deepening economic crisis.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, with maximum amounts of 5, are expected across the remainder of the Hawaiian islands.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • However, The Next Web analyzed the upcoming phase of tariffs and noted that the Commerce Department submitted a report on July 1 that would determine if the data center exemption would survive.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
  • For years, Goop’s restaurant existed almost entirely as a delivery operation, a ghost kitchen with food engineered to still be delicious after surviving the trip to your door.
    Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • High temperatures in Death Valley were expected to remain in the 115- to 118-degree range Monday and Tuesday, with a high of 119 expected Wednesday.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The oak remained — and faced several more battles of its own.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 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
  • Alphabet’s stock is down more than 15% from its May peak, wiping out roughly $700 billion in value, as concerns rise over its mounting AI bills and failure to produce a decisive technological breakthrough.
    Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • There were shorter absences for core, ankle and adductor issues over the year, but a hamstring problem, which wiped out December and January, was the decisive blow.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • While most cases have been concentrated in southern and central states due the warmer weather, recent research suggests climate change is warming water in northern and midwestern states, expanding the areas where the amoeba can be found.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • On Sunday, Long Beach's high was 93 degrees and most of the area was under an extreme heat watch.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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