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last

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verb

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
But upon the death of Ian Faith, Tap’s posh-sounding, cricket-bat-wielding manager, his daughter, Hope (Kerry Godliman), inherits from him a contract for one last Spinal Tap show. James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025 The online real estate platform on Wednesday appointed former Shopify executive Kaz Nejatian as its new CEO after investor pressure caused his predecessor, Carrie Wheeler, to resign last month. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
When humans lead with purpose and tech supports that mission, trust and lasting impact naturally follow. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Her outfit this week proved that her enduring friendship with Ford, which has lasted over 30 years, is still going strong — as is her reputation as a style icon. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • After defeating the Twins, the Royals remained just a game behind the Seattle Mariners (74-68) for the third and final wild-card spot.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The moratorium provision was ultimately stripped from the bill before final passage.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The geranium and the gingko tree yield data but no conclusive results.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But there are some good supporting turns, starting with Henry, Tony’s main Interpol contact, who appears from early episodes to be a good guy the leads are mistaking for a bad guy, although nothing is completely conclusive there right away.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The semiconductor industry and the equipment that support that industry are showing robust continuous growth in most parts of the world supporting consumer, industrial and data center applications.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout most of the game, the Bears were dominating the day.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But it has been largely forgotten over the past five decades, as the people who knew about it and the 10 people who survived it grew older or passed away.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to the rest of the universe, and completely unprepared for that kind of pressure, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, survive a series of formidable trials, and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Spoon batter into pan, smooth top, and sprinkle streusel and remaining pecans.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • After defeating the Twins, the Royals remained just a game behind the Seattle Mariners (74-68) for the third and final wild-card spot.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
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 shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • In other words, the health of the system is decisive.
    Sandro da Silva, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But even before Tyler Stephenson’s two-run homer off Robert Suarez broke a tie in the top of the ninth inning and held as the decisive hit in a 4-2 Reds victory, something happened that practically rendered the final score a footnote.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Central to the protocol’s anti-aging effects is its impact on VO2 max, the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Even if you hand-water with a hose, watering in the morning not only provides the plant with water in time for the heat of the day, but also allows the maximum amount of time for the leaves to dry before the cool evening temperatures arrive.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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