1
as in to finish
to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done
we're still finalizing our travel plans but hope to have them done by the end of the week
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to approve
to give official acceptance of as satisfactory
the bank won't finalize the loan before Tuesday because of the holiday
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 finalize
The draft bill has already been finalized and is now with the Ministry of Culture, moving the initiative toward implementation as a national public policy.
—
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 18 May 2026
At the same time, the WHO has for months struggled to finalize its own Pandemic Agreement, a treaty aimed at improving international pandemic preparedness and response in the wake of COVID—at issue is how countries are expected to share emerging pathogen information with one another.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 18 May 2026
The deal was finalized on March 10.
—Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
The divorce was finalized just days later, with both parties waiving rights to spousal support, as per their prenuptial agreement.
—Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for finalize
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 18 May 2026
At the same time, the WHO has for months struggled to finalize its own Pandemic Agreement, a treaty aimed at improving international pandemic preparedness and response in the wake of COVID—at issue is how countries are expected to share emerging pathogen information with one another.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 18 May 2026
The deal was finalized on March 10.
—Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
The divorce was finalized just days later, with both parties waiving rights to spousal support, as per their prenuptial agreement.
—Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for finalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finalize
Verb
-
Mark Teixeira homered from both sides of the plate and the New York Yankees finished a four-game sweep of Minnesota with a 7-6 victory.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
The council will vote for an interim mayor to finish the remainder of Lyles’ term, which ends in December 2027.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
The La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve the ordinance.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
After first applying for resettlement in Jordan, in 2004, the family was finally approved to move to Kentucky, in February, 2025.—
Annie Hylton,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
So much that was hidden now completes the whole.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
White Sox fans got the last laugh on Sunday afternoon as their squad completed a wild, thrilling comeback victory over their crosstown rivals.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
The agreement is still being ratified by members of the unions.—
Elijah Westbrook,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
-
The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified 11 years after Dred Scott, was drafted to repudiate that decision and to prevent the creation of a hereditary class of noncitizens within the United States.—
Jeff Ballou,
ABC News,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Although Alexis’ remains have not been recovered, the Dodge County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed there has been no official documentation of her death within the state, according to the outlet.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
20 May 2026
-
Remily was only able to share a few details of the investigation but confirmed investigators had recovered a manifesto that the FBI is analyzing.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finalize. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
