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
Some Wimbledon finals made the cut: the 1980 men’s version between Björn Borg and John McEnroe; the 2008 equivalent between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 12 July 2025 Sinner, a 23-year-old Italian, and Alcaraz, a 22-year-old Spaniard, now head into a rematch of their epic final at the French Open four weeks ago. Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Noun
Hitting second in the final round, the 22-year-old Caminero closed within three dingers, took three pitches and hit a liner to left field. Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025 While the stories-at-the-speed-of-life series didn't get a comedy nomination in its final season, nor did star-writer Bridgett Everett, voters did have the good sense to honor Jeff Hiller, one of the ensemble's brilliant performers. EW.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for final
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • The Padres begin the day a half-game out of the NL’s last wild-card spot.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • One more to try for a girl and that would be their last.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 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
  • A number of Republicans that represent states with rural communities -- such as Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mike Rounds of South Dakota -- have expressed concerns about cuts to public broadcasting that could affect the ability of certain communities to access emergency alerts.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The 2023 team that Harbaugh built in Ann Arbor, loaded with future NFL draftees and others who would sign with NFL teams as free agents, defeated Alabama in the national semifinals.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • As mentioned above, PSG is coming off of a dominant win over Real Madrid, while Chelsea just beat Fluminense in the semifinal.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Right now, the rocket is tailored toward test launches but there are plans for astronauts to be aboard in the future.
    Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
  • Almost 1,000 Amazon shoppers have put the product to the test, and 74% of them have given it a five-star rating.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 8 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
  • The president further argues that lower rates will make financing the ever-increasing federal debt cheaper, a factor which does not play into the Fed’s statutory dual mandate of ensuring maximum sustainable employment and stable prices.
    Ron Insana, CNBC, 11 July 2025
  • His early stardom never quite translated into a stable senior career as opportunities dried up in a system overflowing with talent.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The Heat, which went 6-0 in Las Vegas and won the summer league championship last year, will play its second of at least five games in Las Vegas this year on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
  • Typically, teams will visit the White House after winning a championship to celebrate with the president.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • He was found to have pushed through about 80 candidates who had failed the department’s psychological exam, officials said.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
  • During spring finals this year, the major AI companies fought to win over students by offering free or discounted access to their premium products for help with exam prep and essay writing.
    Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 20 Jul. 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!