1
: after a prolonged time : at the end of period of time
Two hours later, the train finally arrived.
He finally got around to calling.
I'm so happy to finally meet you!
It finally dawned on me what she'd meant.
2
a
: as the last act or occurrence in a series : in the end : eventually
After many attempts, they finally gave up.
"My career meandered all over the place and I finally settled on comedic acting. …"—
Cassandra Peterson
Cassandra Peterson"He listened to the whole thing, very attentive, and finally he turned to the doctor and he said, 'I have a question.'"—Russell Newman
Russell Newman
b
: by way of conclusion : as the last point
"… Finally, I'd like to thank the fans for their great support …"—Joe Girardi
Joe Girardi
c
: in the end : ultimately
What finally matters is whether you're likely to drink enough of the organisms to make you sick.—Peter Jaret
Peter Jaret3
old-fashioned
: in a final manner : in a way that does not allow change
I have reason for asking this question which you have answered so finally.—Willa Cather
Willa CatherShe said it so finally … that Mr. Pumblechook … could not protest.—Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens… the power to decide finally and conclusively upon all motions made in the course of legislative proceedings …—John G. Carlisle
John G. CarlisleSynonyms
Examples of finally in a Sentence
we're making steady progress and may finally finish this project
Recent Examples on the Web
Fox is finally launching a (real, subscription) streaming service.
—Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 4 Feb. 2025
After years of being toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the Pistons have finally climbed out to be potential playoff contenders.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
Also, in 2023 RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant people were finally approved, and that may have protected more individuals.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2025
There are a couple of chances for snow this week that don’t appear to be a major storms, but could be the start of a trend this month if the ingredients all finally align.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for finally 
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Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 4 Feb. 2025
After years of being toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the Pistons have finally climbed out to be potential playoff contenders.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
Also, in 2023 RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant people were finally approved, and that may have protected more individuals.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2025
There are a couple of chances for snow this week that don’t appear to be a major storms, but could be the start of a trend this month if the ingredients all finally align.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for finally
Dictionary Entries Near finally
Cite this Entry
“Finally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finally. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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