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final

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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
In the final challenge Anderson and two chefs who made it to the finals had to stay up for 26 hours straight cooking a five-course dinner. Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025 The Mustangs, who tied San Clemente for the title last year, put four of seven surfers in the finals. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2025
Noun
Dillon, a surprise championship round entrant after making the field as the 32nd and final driver, finished 28th. Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025 On the fourth and final slide, Luke apologized to the rest of his family and everyone involved. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • The high school's five home games were played away last fall while the new bleachers remained under construction.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
  • After opening its 560,000-square-foot campus overlooking Lady Bird Lake in 2018, the software giant last year announced plans to relocate to Nashville's East Bank by 2031.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Keep in mind that buckwheat can cause allergic reactions in certain people (especially in Asian countries), particularly if eaten frequently or in large amounts.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • The Thursday, July 10, raid came just as a federal judge ruled to block certain I.C.E. raids in Los Angeles based on methods being used to target detainees.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Argentina takes on Colombia in the semifinals of the 2025 Copa América Femenina on Monday night.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
  • Kalinskaya, who played some of her best tennis of 2025 in beating Raducanu in the semifinals, thrived in Washington.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • However, thanks to test screening audience feedback, Danica no longer suffers the same fate as Helen, and Cline didn’t learn that her character would survive the newest Fisherman’s wrath until the middle of June.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
  • While the former Boise Young Rider Development Squad members are going wheel to wheel against the best in the world in Europe, the next generation of BYRDS cyclists put their skills to the test at the 38th annual criterium on Saturday in downtown Boise.
    Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • An East Chicago man shot by police Tuesday evening is in stable condition, according to his uncle, who says witnesses to the shooting claim his nephew didn’t start the issue.
    Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
  • This stood in sharp contrast to the postwar American corporate experience, which operated within stable, predictable structures.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Throughout his career, Hogan headlined the WWE's flagship event WrestleMania eight times and has won the WWE championship six times.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 July 2025
  • His prediction proved to be correct, as Louisville would go on to win the national championship.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Ladder Life Insurance Learn More Cost The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote App available No Policy highlights Ladder is a digital-first life insurance company offering up to $3 million in coverage without an exam.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 25 July 2025
  • Women being dismissed by their healthcare providers is another culprit, says Tran, and without proper exams and X-rays, the disease goes undetected.
    Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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