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ultimate

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ultimate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ultimate are final, last, and terminal. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," 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

When would final be a good substitute for ultimate?

The words final and ultimate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

In what contexts can last take the place of ultimate?

While the synonyms last and ultimate are close in meaning, 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 could terminal be used to replace ultimate?

The synonyms terminal and ultimate are sometimes interchangeable, but terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

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 ultimate
Adjective
Loro Piana was a master class experience in the ultimate of Italian refinement and materiality. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025 Mira Chai Hyde has a client roster that reads like the ultimate who’s who. Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
One had ultimate access and the other had ultimate power. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025 Spike Lee recently revealed which of his movies is the ultimate fan-favorite. Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ultimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ultimate
Adjective
  • In the 2026 midterm election cycle, each House seat is worth fighting for to the maximum extent since majorities are built on the smallest of legislative margins.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • At maximum capabilities, Paluel is the second largest nuclear power station in France and the seventh largest in the world by power output.
    Theo Burman Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
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
  • That's close to the farthest point in its orbit, which is 252,088 miles away, according to NASA.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2023
  • At its farthest, the capsule was more than 268,000 miles from Earth.
    Marcia Dunn, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2022
Noun
  • What’s 20 years of waiting for consummation, among friends?
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The film's first cut earned an R rating due to Edward and Bella's racy consummation scene, which was ultimately tweaked in the editing room.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Europe could do their utmost to back Kyiv, but fail to tip the balance without American backup.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Though staff do their utmost to keep his spirits up, his situation is bound to have had an impact.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 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
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
Noun
  • Sidefeel Corduroy Wide-leg Pants Corduroy is the epitome of fall fashion, and these flare pants deliver all the cozy, retro vibes without sacrificing comfort.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Molerani Long-Sleeve T-Shirt Mini Dress T-shirt dresses are the epitome of summer fashion, but this long-sleeve version will hold you over as the temperatures begin to dip.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ultimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ultimate. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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