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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
About 25% of EY’s $57 billion in global revenues last year came from work generated through alliance and ecosystem partners, Truncale said. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026 Last week, the militia took a leading role in an operation to retake the strategically vital Red Sea port of Mocha, captured by the Houthis last month. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
In theory, an increase to the benchmark interest rate should slash inflation by slowing the economy and eating away at demand, though the policy typically yields results after a lag time lasting several months. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 However, with the once-every-26-months Mars launch window — which lasts a few weeks, opening in late October — and no propellant transfer demonstration yet in the books, that is off the table. — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • Daniel Espino, Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith allowed only one baserunner the final four innings.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The 21st and final season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians aired from March through June 2021.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Some experiments also indicate improvement in markers of inflammation, though, here, as with many areas, the findings are not conclusive, says Lee.
    — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The reply from John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball, was far less conclusive.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Rachel had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • As of early evening, the storm was centered about 90 miles south of Pensacola and moving to the north-northeast, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, the center said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Remarkably, the water-soluble artwork had survived despite its proximity to a sprinkler pipe.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In Tennessee, Christa Pike survived an execution attempt two weeks ago despite receiving two lethal doses of pentobarbital.
    — David Fischer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Plans to eradicate the remaining invasive mammals is already underway.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Digital sales doubled in 2020 but remained a small percentage of the business.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 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
  • If Bass’ vow to rule the same as before represents a decisive leader, more and more Angelenos seem to be saying, give us the Raman flood.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • By afternoon, the Moon trines Mars and your mind gets sharper and more decisive.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In most cases, bed and board have to be paid for, but there are a series of daily spending caps on different elements, such as food and hotel costs.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Trump and Congress also canceled federal tax credits for most renewable energy projects.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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