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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 Yankees eliminated the Red Sox in the wild card round last season, and Tracy’s squad will look to get revenge. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Wickersham said last year that the silver Pontiac G5 car that the suspect used to ram the police SUV belonged to the man's father. — Christina Hall, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
The talks lasted about three hours but yielded no ceasefire or agreement to end the war. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 The meeting — which at times turned contentious — lasted more than an hour, according to a source familiar with it. — David Lim, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • In this final stretch, Ryan said, one of the biggest practical challenges has been competing with data centers for skilled union electricians, about 200 of whom are working on the site today.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Saturday will mark the final tune-up game of sorts for Miami before the schedule truly picks up the rest of the way.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • To have or not to have pheromones Scientists have yet to find conclusive evidence about whether humans have or are able to detect pheromones.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
  • None is conclusive proof on its own, but each helps establish the date and time.
    — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The National Hurricane Center said Sunday that Odalys’ center was about 1,345 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The finished expedition vehicle reportedly has a maximum weight of about 34,170 pounds.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The structure was built in 1872 (the hotel is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022) and has survived through floods and epidemics of years past.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Of the twenty-six genera and perhaps a hundred species of rhinoceros living in the Eocene, six species survived to encounter humans.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • La Casa del Pueblo Taqueria has remained a living link to the immigrants who began arriving in Pilsen decades ago.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Everything remains perfect and unchanging, but thanks to this constant attention.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 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
  • As the margin for error narrows, management quality will become decisive.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The declaration sees Carag’s battle against his former mentor enter a decisive phase.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Cazares begins most days at sunrise and works construction or as a day laborer throughout the city and suburbs.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Mensah started the game with 24 consecutive completions, setting an ACC and Miami program record for most consecutive completions in a game.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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