1
a
: having definite or definable limits
a finite number of possibilities
b
: having a limited nature or existence
finite beings
2
: completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought
the finite velocity of light
3
a
: less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer
b
: having a finite number of elements
a finite set
4
: of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)
finite verbs such as "is" and "are"
finite
noun
finitely
adverb
finiteness
noun
Examples of finite in a Sentence
a finite number of possibilities
the earth's finite supply of natural resources
the finite human lifespan
a finite verb such as “is” or “are”
Recent Examples on the Web
With Republicans in solid control of state government, though contending with intraparty battles marked by differences that seem as much personal as ideological, the Texas Legislature will return to work Tuesday facing an ambitious to-do list but having only a finite amount of money to spend.
—
John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
There are finite resources available, and for every player who is moved, there is one fewer on the market.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 29 July 2025
With players having finite careers and finite earning potential, saving as much money as possible matters.
—Eric MacRamalla, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
The planned development sparked an intense debate about what the growth of Colorado Springs — and other large Front Range cities — should look like amid finite water resources.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for finite
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John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
There are finite resources available, and for every player who is moved, there is one fewer on the market.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 29 July 2025
With players having finite careers and finite earning potential, saving as much money as possible matters.
—Eric MacRamalla, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
The planned development sparked an intense debate about what the growth of Colorado Springs — and other large Front Range cities — should look like amid finite water resources.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for finite
Cite this Entry
“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
finite
adjective
fi·nite
ˈfī-ˌnīt 
1
: having certain limits : limited in scope or nature : not infinite
2
: limited in grammatical person and number
a finite verb
finitely
adverb
finiteness
noun
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