Synonyms of ultimate

ultimate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈəl-tə-mət 

1

as in maximum

of the greatest or highest degree or quantity

the ultimate speed yet attained by a land-based vehicle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• maximum
• utmost
• most
• supreme
• paramount
• last
• max
• largest
• uttermost
• consummate
• nth
• biggest
• top
• outside
• unparalleled
• unequalled
• unrivalled
• unrivaled
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• unmatched
• uppermost
• topmost
• hugest
• upmost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• least
• minimum
• minimal
• slightest
• smallest
• lowest
• tiniest
• littlest
• minutest
• fewest

2

as in final

following all others of the same kind in order or time

the ultimate speaker at today's meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• final
• latest
• last
• latter
• closing
• concluding
• lowest
• penultimate
• eventual
• lag
• terminal
• terminating
• following
• ensuing
• rearmost
• crowning
• farthest
• consequent
• bottommost
• hindmost
• definitive
• decisive
• conclusive
• succeeding
• remotest
• furthest
• extreme
• lowermost
• utmost
• outermost
• furthermost
• farthermost
• outmost
• nethermost
• endmost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• first
• initial
• primary
• original
• beginning
• earliest
• pioneer
• foremost
• starting
• opening
• maiden
• inaugural
• superior
• eminent
• premier
• headmost
• leadoff

3

as in farthest

most distant from a center

the ultimate edges of the universe

Synonyms & Similar Words

• farthest
• remotest
• extreme
• furthest
• utmost
• outermost
• furthermost
• farthermost
• outmost
• rearmost
• sternmost
• aftermost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nearest
• innermost
• intermediate
• middle
• medial
• median
• inmost
• mid
• midmost

ultimate

2 of 2

noun

1

as in consummation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• consummation
• epitome
• quintessence
• limit
• extremity
• depth
• height

2

as in utmost

Synonyms & Similar Words

• utmost
• maximum
• most
• best
• max
• extreme
• outside

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• least
• minimum

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

Recent Examples of ultimate

Adjective

In a league where playing time can stand as the ultimate currency, there could be plenty to be said about a Burks return, even with the veteran shooting specialist turning 34 on July 20. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025

No matter OpenAI’s ultimate aims, in a race against Google and Meta, some commercial moves are necessary to stay ahead. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 30 May 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