end 1 of 2

verb

Definition of endnext
1
as in to finish
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point let's end the meeting with a short prayer

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Relevance

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2
as in to stop
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end unfortunately, an argument ended their date, and they're still not speaking to each other

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3
as in to conclude
to come to an end a book so good that you hate to see it end

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4
as in to die
to stop living a great general, who ended on the field of battle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

end

2 of 2

noun

ˈend How to pronounce end (audio)
1
as in ending
the stopping of a process or activity the end of hostilities brought general rejoicing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go I'm at the end of my patience with these little brats

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3
as in remainder
an unused or unwanted piece or item typically of small size or value a couple of ends of wallpaper were all that was left after we finished papering the room

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4
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish in this case the ends definitely do not justify the means

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5
as in tip
the last and usually sharp or tapering part of something long and narrow a child's pair of scissors with blunt ends

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6
as in conclusion
the last part of a process or action the war wasn't yet over, but we were definitely at the beginning of the end

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7
as in perimeter
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something the ends of his shirt cuffs were badly frayed

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8
as in demise
the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities Henry Hudson and eight others were set adrift in the bay in a small boat, and how they met their end is unknown

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9
as in portion
something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group keep up your end of the bargain

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb end differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of end are close, complete, conclude, finish, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

When might close be a better fit than end?

In some situations, the words close and end are roughly equivalent. However, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

When could complete be used to replace end?

While the synonyms complete and end are close in meaning, complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

When can conclude be used instead of end?

The synonyms conclude and end are sometimes interchangeable, but conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

In what contexts can finish take the place of end?

While in some cases nearly identical to end, finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When is terminate a more appropriate choice than end?

The meanings of terminate and end largely overlap; however, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of end
Verb
The three other big names who suffered season-ending injuries last year were tight end Tucker Kraft, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt and right tackle Zach Tom. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 27 July 2026 Bantham says some of her clients intentionally schedule meetings to end five minutes before the top of the hour. — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 27 July 2026
Noun
The thread-ectronics also rely on eutectogels, which create a sub-millimeter gap between the thread-ends to control the flow of electrons via resistors, capacitors, or other components. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 At the end of her emotional post, Kimberly included an old photo of James pulling each of his children into a huge hug. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for end
Recent Examples of Synonyms for end
  1. finish
  2. stop
  3. conclude
  4. die
  5. ending
  6. limit
  7. remainder
  8. goal
Verb
  • Addam and Seasmoke escort Syrax, which leaves Caraxes and Daemon to finish off Sheepstealer.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • If software ate the world by selling to it, AI may finish the job by buying it.
    — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of finish
Verb
  • The project has drawn fierce local opposition in the mostly agricultural communities south of San Jose where it will be built, and the agency has temporarily stopped construction on it in advance of a court hearing in September.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • Three minutes later, Son put away a volley after Carles Gil stopped a ball at the end line and whipped a cross into the center of the box.
    — Kamran Nia July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of stop
Verb
  • As a press release concludes, the companies presented their partnership as the beginning of a long-term commitment, with other projects planned.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Oba Femi, who rose to prominence after defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 and winning the 2026 King of the Ring, recently concluded his intense rivalry with Lesnar.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • The lab got its start with studies of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the 1900s, when ranchers and cattle were dying from the then-unknown disease.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The New Empire, died today, July 21, in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Definition of die
Noun
  • But let’s circle back to the dramatic ending of last week’s Rocky Horror party, when Georgia told Emira about the transphobic comment Charlie had made (alleging that her boyfriend was actually gay).
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, as work permits expire, Haitians in Florida and elsewhere are bracing themselves for the formal ending of TPS and ultimately, deportations to Haiti.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of ending
Noun
  • The dramatic encounter saw both superstars push each other to their limits, culminating in a sense of finality for their long-standing rivalry.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Name your limit, protect your energy, and leave room for real desire.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of limit
Noun
  • Even factoring in the slightly more affordable remainder of the state, rents are the highest in the nation as a percentage of median income, according to ATTOM Data Solutions.
    — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 10 July 2026
  • Buckle up for a newsy remainder of the term.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Definition of remainder
Noun
  • Even despite all this, the task force observes that defensive arrays might be insufficient to stop rogue drone operators from succeeding in their goals.
    — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • After a shot by midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta was spilt by goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer, Hopkins finished the rebound in the fifth minute for the opening goal at CPKC Stadium.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Definition of goal

Phrases Containing end

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encysts
end
endamage
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Cite this Entry

“End.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/end. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of end for Spanish Speakers

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