last 1 of 2

Definition of lastnext
1
2
3

last

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective last contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of last are final, terminal, and ultimate. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," 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 final instead of last?

In some situations, the words final and last are roughly equivalent. However, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When can terminal be used instead of last?

The synonyms terminal and last are sometimes interchangeable, but terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

When is ultimate a more appropriate choice than last?

While in some cases nearly identical to last, 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 last
Adjective
Ottman wrestled elsewhere after his last WWF stint in 1994. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026 Yet parts of the agreement outlined in last year's ceasefire are moving forward. Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Outside El Helicoide, where there are constant protests, many families participate in a nightly vigil that lasts until midnight. Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026 Lunar nights last roughly 354 hours, with temperatures dropping below minus 150 degrees Celsius. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • Unlike in the final hours before many previous funding deadlines, most lawmakers were not in Washington on Friday trying to negotiate a last-minute deal.
    Riley Beggin, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • And then the final piece of the puzzle was selling Rolling Stone.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • On the other hand, research on how strongly protein, red meat, saturated fat and dairy are linked with chronic disease risk is much less conclusive.
    Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Florida law makes grand jury proceedings secret, so the silence isn’t conclusive.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The effect is country salvage, designed for maximum gardening efficiency.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
  • State-of-the-art facilities like a high-speed gondola and high-tech snowmaking systems ensure maximum stoke.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • If St Pauli survive relegation this season, this will be remembered as a pivotal performance.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Gore is survived by his wife and three children.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Arlington County Police Department announced the news on Thursday following a monthslong criminal investigation that remains active.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
  • These arginine-tyrosine interactions remain active as the fiber solidifies.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
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
  • Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that Khamenei remains the decisive figure in Iran’s system even as the regime faces pressure at home and abroad.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Iran’s military has warned that any attack would be met with an immediate and decisive response, including strikes on US forces and assets in the region.
    Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While the property isn’t within walking distance of most historical sites, guests can rent bikes from local vendors (like Bike Nevis) or hire a taxi to get around.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • An undefeated filly won the $100,000 Dixie Belle Stakes on Saturday, just not the one that most bettors expected.
    Bob Wisener, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on last

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!