fi·nal·ize
ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz 
finalized; finalizing
1
: to put in final or finished form
Soon my conclusion will be finalized.—
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower2
: to give final approval to
The proposed regulations have not been finalized by the … administration.—Mike Duncan
Mike Duncan
Usage of Finalize
Finalize was formerly castigated as an unnecessary neologism or as U.S. government jargon, but it is now broadly accepted. It appears to have first gained currency in Australia (where it has been acceptable all along) in the early 1920s. The U.S. Navy picked it up in the late 20s, and from there it came into widespread use. It is a standard formation (see -ize).
fi·nal·iza·tion
ˌfīnᵊlə̇ˈzāshən
-ᵊlˌīˈz-
plural -s
: the act, process, or an instance of finalizing
the finalization of a sound doctrine set forth in service manuals for use and guidance in future maneuvers—Kalman Siegel
Kalman SiegelExamples of finalize in a Sentence
Verb
They are finalizing their divorce this week.
We bought our tickets and finalized our vacation plans.
Recent Examples on the Web
Henri Hollis,
AJC.com,
4 July 2026
The Connected Vehicle Rule, finalized in 2025 under the Biden Administration, effectively blocks Polestar from selling cars in the US starting with the 2027 model year.
—
New Atlas,
4 July 2026
The makers are still finalizing the rest of the cast and creative team.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 July 2026
As public knowledge of their affairs and overall mismatch came to a head, the couple separated in 1992, and the divorce was finalized in 1996.
—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for finalize
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Verb
The building’s second floor will house a full-service restaurant, though the concept has not been finalized, and the third floor will function as a rooftop bar.
—
Henri Hollis,
AJC.com,
4 July 2026
The Connected Vehicle Rule, finalized in 2025 under the Biden Administration, effectively blocks Polestar from selling cars in the US starting with the 2027 model year.
—
New Atlas,
4 July 2026
The makers are still finalizing the rest of the cast and creative team.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 July 2026
As public knowledge of their affairs and overall mismatch came to a head, the couple separated in 1992, and the divorce was finalized in 1996.
—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for finalize
Cite this Entry
“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalize. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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