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finish

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb finish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of finish are close, complete, conclude, end, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When would close be a good substitute for finish?

The words close and finish can be used in similar contexts, but close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

When can complete be used instead of finish?

The synonyms complete and finish are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would conclude be a reasonable alternative to finish?

The meanings of conclude and finish largely overlap; however, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

When could end be used to replace finish?

Although the words end and finish have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

In what contexts can terminate take the place of finish?

The words terminate and finish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 finish
Verb
Getting the Sunnyside Yard project started, let alone finished, would require the seamless cooperation of the city, the MTA, Amtrak, the governor, and the federal government. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025 The Kings went 27-24 in 51 games under Christie to finish ninth in the Western Conference. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
The mill embraces the beauty of imperfection and asymmetry in Chaos Aesthetics, a trend concept that favors expressive textures, unconventional finishes and rich tactile experiences. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Apr. 2025 This light and airy style has a linen texture with a satin-like finish that makes these ideal for the season. Megan Schaltegger, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for finish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finish
Verb
  • He was also empowered to achieve a lifestyle by design that is filled with adventure, including completing IRONMAN triathlons and diving with great white sharks.
    Kody Boye, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The final cost will be set once the design is completed, said Laura Swartz, the communications director for the Department of Finance.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Lawmakers can typically override a governor’s veto with another vote on the bill if the legislation receives two-thirds support from each chamber, though the Idaho Legislature ended this year’s regular legislative session early this month.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Hence, short-term rates could end the year between 3% and 4.25% as compared to 4.25% to 4.5% currently.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The confrontation stopped and restarted as the man appeared to try to get the knife away from Perez over the fence.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • When the American money stopped flowing, the local soup kitchen closed and Ms. Musa went out searching for food.
    Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Weak Hero Class 2’s ending: Si-Eun’s master plan Ryeo Un as Park Hu-min, Lee Min-jae as Go Hyuntak Darae Lee/Netflix Weak Hero Class 2 builds to a massive showdown between the members of the Union and the Eunjang student body.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Sadly, by the time the ending — easy, predictable, full of hope — rolls around, the story is already fading from memory.
    Gabino Iglesias, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Celtics outscored it 30-18 as the Magic’s offense ground to a halt.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Vehicles on every road in Israel come to a halt and drivers emerge from their cars or trucks to stand at attention.
    Rabbi Steve Roth, Sun Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The video concludes as the officer handcuffs Battle.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The events will conclude with the beginning of the Novemdiales, a symbolic and procedural period of nine days of prayer, mourning and remembrance.
    Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • All gift cards for fast-fashion retailer Forever 21, which filed for bankruptcy, are set to expire this week.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Another put option, with a strike price of $260 and expiring on March 21, 2025, could have been bought for $1.89 on January 15, when Tesla closed at $428.22, and sold for $40.80 on March 10, when Tesla traded at $222.15, yielding a return of 2,059%.
    Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In May 2024, the series was renewed for a seventh season, consisting of six episodes, to give a fitting conclusion to The Conners.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • What used to be called a human interest story; no grand conclusions about the larger meaning of Dutch soccer.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Finish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finish. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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