Definition of ultimatenext

ultimate

2 of 2

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
Down the hall, check into the Spa at Casa Mani for the ultimate relaxation. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026 The ultimate package holiday destination, its name was once synonymous with mass tourism, cheap deals and expats seeking sun. — Siobhan Grogan, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
Enjoy twin- or double-bedded Superior Cabins, or go for the ultimate with a gigantic Han Dynasty Suite. — Eleanor Flagler Hardy, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 The ability to judge, curate, and refine AI output will be the new ultimate (and human) competitive advantage. — Larry English, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ultimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ultimate
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
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
  • 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
  • Variable rates may increase after consummation.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 26 June 2026
  • After the flirtation and its consummation, David beats a hasty (and unsurprising) retreat.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • First and foremost, Chelsea will be trying their utmost in the final week to ensure that this does not happen.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Hospital staff were amazing and did the utmost to help, but ultimately nothing could be done despite their best efforts.
    — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 June 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
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
Noun
  • His parents are the epitome of great, genuine, loving parents who did everything humanely possible to help him.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • This embroidered quilt is the epitome of fall style with its warm background and mix of leaves in faded brown and golden hues.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ultimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ultimate. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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