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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

Examples of last in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The deficit had grown to $19.1 million last year and was projected to get even larger in fiscal year 2024-25. Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024 The Fed's next meeting — its last scheduled meeting for 2024 — is Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
With quality materials, one bed can last from kindergarten through the inevitable ninth-grade ask for a full upgrade. Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024 The composite filter lasts up to two years, while the RO filter can go an impressive four years without needing replacement. New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for last 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • This is a great do-it-all jacket for winters that are equal parts wet, cold, and windy, with a two-layer Gore-Tex outer offering the most water resistance of any jacket in our final lineup.
    Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
  • The Broncos navigated their final drive beautifully, bled the clock all the way down and didn’t give it back to Mahomes.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Early voting data from Michigan does not include party affiliation but, according to the University of Florida figures, 55 percent of early voters are women — a sign that is hopeful for Harris but not conclusive.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Finally, on early Friday morning, the numbers were conclusive: At 8:50 a.m., Decision Desk HQ became the first organization to call the 2020 presidential race for Joe Biden — a full day before major television networks followed suit.
    Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • If the question is asked in a friendly way, most people will answer in the same vein.
    Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Given the runup in home prices since 2013, most sellers should have enough equity to cover replacement costs by deducting those from the sales price.
    Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • He is survived by his daughter Heather Edwards, brother Bill, and a granddaughter, as well as another daughter, Sallie Edwards, who told the New York Times that complications from a stroke were the cause of his death.
    Michael Savio, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Without Curry, the team was able to survive behind strong performances from guard Buddy Hield and forward Jonathan Kuminga.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Copied Share Eagles miss another kick Rohan Nadkarni Jake Elliott missed a 51-yard kick, and the score remains 7-0 Commanders.
    Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Whether these sweeping changes will be enough to turn the tide remains a point of debate among experts.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
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 value of assets tied to Donald Trump — and those likely to benefit under his administration — surged in the wake of his decisive electoral victory on Tuesday.
    Rob Wile, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • If the polls are accurate, then just a relatively small handful of votes could play a decisive role in who emerges victorious.
    Joe Edwards, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • A lot of the anti-woke people describe wokeness as this kind of major threat to Western civilization, to the prevailing order.
    Sean Illing, Vox, 9 Nov. 2024
  • The company anticipates using or redeploying cash resources to support its business within the context of prevailing market conditions.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near last

Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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