final 1 of 2

final

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective final contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of final are last, terminal, and ultimate. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When would last be a good substitute for final?

The meanings of last and final largely overlap; however, last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped.

last page of a book
last news we had of him

When is it sensible to use terminal instead of final?

While in some cases nearly identical to final, terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

When is ultimate a more appropriate choice than final?

The synonyms ultimate and final are sometimes interchangeable, but ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible.

the ultimate collapse of the system

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 final
Adjective
Bride Hard, though, is the project that landed Wilson in the hospital, caused by an accident that happened during the final hours of filming. Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The judge overseeing the sprawling $2.8 billion antitrust lawsuit settlement involving the NCAA and the nation’s five largest conferences delayed final approval of the plan Wednesday until it is modified to address concerns about roster limits. Eric Olson, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
The event starts with the national semifinals on Thursday, April 17, and the finals on Saturday, April 19th. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025 The Cavs, who won 48 games last season and were predicted by most oddsmakers to do about the same in this campaign, would now host a deciding Game 7 in an Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics, or, for that matter, any other team that gets there instead. Joe Vardon, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • The Detroit Tigers are off to a dream start after their fairy tale run to the American League playoffs last season.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Like last week, LaBonta ripped her penalty kick into the top corner.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the last two weeks, Trump issued an executive order directing agencies to sunset every existing energy regulation by next year and, in a separate memorandum, said those agencies may repeal certain regulations without allowing the public to weigh in.
    Nichola Groom and Valerie Volcovici, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Then again, certain positions that were once universal, or at least bipartisan, appear to be breaking down: the opposition to child labor, for one.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Tyler Warren, Penn State tight end Height, weight: 6-5, 256 Why the Bears will draft him: Warren is a do-it-all weapon, helping Penn State reach the College Football Playoff semifinals last season.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Perhaps most impressive, Vancouver reached the Champions Cup semifinals by knocking off Mexican league powers Monterrey and Pumas.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The test ahead is what Bessent will do if investors become more concerned that tariffs will harm the U.S. and global economy.
    Nick Sargen, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The 28-question test takes players about six minutes to complete.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
  • The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • The unpredictability makes the U.S. seem less stable, less reliable, and a less safe place for their money, experts say.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike stable volume, which is enabled on a video-to-video basis, YouTube Music's consistent volume is toggled globally.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In 2020, a viral video showed Vaughn chatting with Trump at the national championship football game.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • How to Watch WrestleMania 41: Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM ET Stream: Peacock (WATCH NOW) Night One of WrestleMania 41 features a number of fantastic championship matches, with the main event being a triple-threat match between superstars Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Their exams also found that the monkeys were 6 to 8 weeks old when they were brought to the U.S, per court documents.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Dance in the kitchen at breakfast, greet the bus after school with the promise of a special treat, and celebrate mini-milestones like finishing end-of-year exams.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 22 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on final

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!