conclusion

noun

con·​clu·​sion kən-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce conclusion (audio)
1
a
: a reasoned judgment : inference
The obvious conclusion is that she was negligent.
b
: the necessary consequence of two or more propositions taken as premises
especially : the inferred proposition of a syllogism
2
: the last part of something
The team was exhausted at the conclusion of the game.
: such as
a
: result, outcome
The peace talks came to a successful conclusion.
b
conclusions plural : trial of strength or skill
used in the phrase try conclusions
c
: a final summation
the counsel's conclusion to the jury
d
: the final decision in a law case
e
: the final part of a pleading in law
3
: an act or instance of concluding
hoped for a quick conclusion to the war

Examples of conclusion in a Sentence

The evidence does not support the report's conclusions. The evidence points to the inescapable conclusion that she was negligent. The logical conclusion is that she was negligent. What led you to that conclusion? They haven't yet arrived at a conclusion. the conclusion of a business deal The case was finally brought to conclusion last week.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The new agreement will come at the conclusion of the previous 12-year deal agreed to by both parties, which was signed in 2013 for $5.2 billion Canadian. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2025 Other risk assessments by the center have been posted by the CDC even though their conclusions might seem obvious. Patricia Callahan, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 Kansas Jayhawks guard David Coit, a KU senior men’s basketball player this past season, has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Coit, who announced his decision via social media Monday morning, is the fourth Jayhawks player to enter the transfer portal since the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2025 That all came to a head at the conclusion of the 2022 season, when concussions kept Alex Bowman out of the playoffs and helped expedite the retirement of former Cup Series champion Kurt Busch. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conclusion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conclusion-, conclusio, from concludere — see conclude

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of conclusion was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclusion. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

conclusion

noun
con·​clu·​sion kən-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce conclusion (audio)
1
: a final decision reached by reasoning
came to the conclusion that we couldn't go
2
a
: the last part of something : end
b
: a final result : outcome
c
: a final summing up
the conclusion of a speech
3
: an act or instance of concluding

Legal Definition

conclusion

noun
con·​clu·​sion kən-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce conclusion (audio)
1
: a judgment or opinion inferred from relevant facts
our conclusion upon the present evidenceMissouri v. Illinois, 200 U.S. 496 (1905)
2
a
: a final summarizing (as of a closing argument)
b
: the last or closing part of something
3
: an opinion or judgment offered without supporting evidence
specifically : an allegation made in a pleading that is not based on facts set forth in the pleading

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusion

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