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Definition of lastnext
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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
After last season’s 7-5 finish, head coach Brennan Marion left to become Colorado’s OC. Jason Kirk, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Devers spent the offseason working on his defense and has been one of many infielders in camp working with Ron Washington, whose passion for teaching infield defense hasn’t waned after undergoing a quadruple bypass heart surgery last year. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
That would last for the first three years of the new CBA. Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 Events can last from one to three hours. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • His final memorial services will be held in Chicago on March 6 and 7.
    MATT BROWN, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The final product is a Southwestern desert vibe with a luxe, Palm Springs twist; effortlessly blending sepia photos, raw materials, colorful decor, and contemporary comforts.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Atila found residues in seven different vessels but only obtained a conclusive result from one artifact excavated in the ancient city of Pergamon that dates from the second century.
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • But the research isn’t conclusive.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Prosecutors at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague — which formally is part of Kosovo's judicial system although seated abroad — have asked for a maximum 45-year prison sentence for Thaci and the other defendants.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Prosecutors at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague — which formally is part of Kosovo’s judicial system although seated abroad — have asked for a maximum 45-year prison sentence for Thaci and the other defendants.
    Zana Cimili, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Silverblatt is survived by his sister, Joan Bykofsky.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
  • These very early prehistoric burials in southern England and Wales, because of their northern location, haven’t generally survived due to the glaciers that populated the area during the Ice Age.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales account for 75% of revenue, while the remaining 25% is generated through wholesale.
    Amy Francombe, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
  • But fans remain hopeful, especially as Team USA’s men’s hockey team — which has advanced to the knockout stage — prepares for a critical matchup today that could determine their medal chances.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 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 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
  • The Crimson got goals from Samuel Biederwolf, Luke Steen, Jaden Roueche, Grady Kranz, Henry Miller, Matthew Johnson and Wyatt Kuznik in the decisive win.
    Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The vote on Wednesday proved to be more decisive for Meyer.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While the property isn’t within walking distance of most historical sites, guests can rent bikes from local vendors (like Bike Nevis) or hire a taxi to get around.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • An undefeated filly won the $100,000 Dixie Belle Stakes on Saturday, just not the one that most bettors expected.
    Bob Wisener, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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