the last/final word
noun
1
: the final thing said in an argument or a discussion
Your mother's decision is the final word on the matter.
Why do you always have to have the last word?
2
: the power to make a final decision
The judge will have the last word on the divorce agreement.
3
informal
: the most modern or best one of its kind
This is the last word in wireless phones.
The van's design is the last word in safety.
Examples of the last/final word in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The dealership representative has the final word on what the model sells for, and the dealer directly controls their profit stream.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
But the assessor’s work is far from the last word on the matter.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Those 16th century maps weren’t the final word on the topic.
—Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Importantly, a verdict may not be the last word on the matter.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the last/final word 
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Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
But the assessor’s work is far from the last word on the matter.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Those 16th century maps weren’t the final word on the topic.
—Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Importantly, a verdict may not be the last word on the matter.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the last/final word
Dictionary Entries Near the last/final word
Cite this Entry
“The last/final word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20last%2Ffinal%20word. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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