the last/final word

noun

1
: the final thing said in an argument or a discussion
Your mother's decision is the final word on the matter.
Why do you always have to have the last word?
2
: the power to make a final decision
The judge will have the last word on the divorce agreement.
3
informal : the most modern or best one of its kind
This is the last word in wireless phones.
The van's design is the last word in safety.

Examples of the last/final word in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And shoppers will get the final word when the looks finally go up for sale. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 13 June 2025 Sagittarius: Mouth Sagittarius signs have a hard time containing their thoughts and always need to have the last word. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025 The internet awaits the next round with baited breath—the two powerful, mercurial men both surely want to have the last word. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Mohammed Sinwar would have had the final word on any agreement to release the hostages and his death could further complicate U.S. and Arab efforts to broker a ceasefire. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for the last/final word

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Cite this Entry

“The last/final word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20last%2Ffinal%20word. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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