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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
Pezeshkian answers to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority in the country. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025 The Bootique Countdown to Halloween Skeleton Game Plush Dog Toy Set from Petco is the ultimate way to treat your furry friend this spooky season. Christine Persaud, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ultimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ultimate
Adjective
  • They are denoted with an asterisk in the minimum and maximum tuition columns.
    Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Each of the counts holds a maximum sentence of 10 years, or 20 years total possible prison time.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tactically, the most notable feature of the final was how regularly the two goalkeepers found themselves in bizarre positions, rushing out to close down attackers in wide areas.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The largest came on the final play, as Texas couldn’t get back to the line of scrimmage in time to spike the ball and continue a possible game-tying drive.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 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
  • The series is all flirtation without consummation, amusement without mirth, inconvenience without jeopardy.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
  • What’s 20 years of waiting for consummation, among friends?
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Just three offensive starters have returned in what is otherwise an almost brand-new roster, and Rogers has done his utmost to retain a certain mystique about his plans.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The Winnipeg Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy with the NHL’s most points last season, and the Canadiens, Oilers, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs also made playoff appearances.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The reality is that most companies don’t make such decisions based on what an employee believes, but on how their behavior reflects on the organization and impacts others.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 7 Oct. 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
  • The Only Murders in the Building actress was the epitome of bridal glam, and went for fluttering lashes, blushed cheeks and peachy pink lips for the occasion.
    Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • There were small adjustments, the tweaks that make Stott the epitome of a Phillies lineup that is a little better.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ultimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ultimate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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