ultimate 1 of 2

ultimate

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in utmost

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
But with so many questions remaining about Iran's remaining nuclear capacities, Israel's plans, and both countries' ultimate intentions, Trump may have to make more hard choices to make about deploying and projecting U.S. military power abroad. Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 24 June 2025 Askren became the ultimate embodiment of Tiger Style. Sofia Schwarzwalder, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
Noun
The song ultimate got five nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 15 Jan. 2025 The Hot Toddy is perhaps the ultimate of cold weather cocktails, and it’s been a classic for generations. Aly Walansky, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ultimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ultimate
Adjective
  • Tommy Fleetwood continued his stretch of good fortune to enter the final round with a three-shot lead at 16-under.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
  • The final tally fell at five, which meant almost half the class would be out sick.
    David Mack, Rolling Stone, 22 June 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
  • Shortly before entering that orbit, NASA says Orion will travel 57, 287 miles beyond the moon at its farthest point from the lunar surface.
    Lee Roop | lroop@al.com, al, 23 Nov. 2022
Noun
  • 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
  • The physical consummation of love led to all of the things Elisabeth didn’t want: familial obligation, the opposite of liberation of the soul and body.
    Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Joseph is, in essence, the conductor of the Norris orchestra, trying to get each engineer underneath him to do their utmost for Norris and the car.
    Ian Parkes, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The former is fun but fairly disposable; the latter follows a scientist and a teacher who are trying to understand—and protect—a girl infected with the parasitic fungus that turned most of mankind into zombies.
    James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025
  • Like most trends, neckties will likely come back around in another fun and unique way.
    Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 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
  • These two were the epitome of love, truly in sync with one another.
    Greta Bjornson, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • His story depicts the epitome of survival when the odds are against you in life.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The trade-in prices range from a maximum of £675 ($920.50) for the base Pixel 9, £820 ($1118.24) for the Pixel 9 Pro / XL and £1,045 ($1425.07) for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • For those who delay claiming until age 70, the monthly benefit rises to a maximum of $5,108.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ultimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ultimate. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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