ultimately

adverb

ul·​ti·​mate·​ly ˈəl-tə-mət-lē How to pronounce ultimately (audio)
Synonyms of ultimately
1
: in the end : fundamentally
the word comes ultimately from Latin
2
: eventually
ultimately, they agreed

Synonyms of ultimately

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Examples of ultimately in a Sentence

The changes ultimately proved to be unnecessary. Ultimately, it's a question of who is more popular.
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.
Originally housing offices, its heyday in Detroit’s industrial age was brief, sliding into decline in the 1960s and ultimately going vacant. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026 Whether China ultimately complies with the decision may determine whether war in the Pacific will begin. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026 Traditional Folk Album is actually a comeback for a category the Recording Academy dropped several years ago and reclassified as the broad, ultimately catch-all Folk Album award. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 Ireland said future stops will be announced in the fall, with plans to expand throughout North America and, ultimately, to the United Kingdom. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultimately

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultimately was in 1652

Browse Nearby Words

ultimate line
ultimately
ultimate mortality table
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Cite this Entry

“Ultimately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultimately. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ultimately

Nglish: Translation of ultimately for Spanish Speakers

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