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final

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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

Examples 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
With the first season approaching its final episode, why not get nuts and talk about what kind of impact the series will have come next year’s Emmys? Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 Last week, someone taped a picture of a hammer onto McManus’ chamber door in jest as a final reminder to the judge, who is laying down his gavel after 27 years on the bench. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
The Rangers also topped $350 million in net revenue, thanks to their conference finals run. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Tickets are available the day of the finals at the gate. Dan Basso, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for final 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for final
Adjective
  • The day after Simpson’s arrest last month, a federal complaint was filed against him.
    Antonio Planas, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Prosecutors filed vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash, and car theft charges against Gonzalez last month, records show.
    Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Calcium and vitamin D Osteoporosis cannot be completely cured, but certain lifestyle and dietary factors can lower your risk.
    Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
  • In addition, family discussions related to entertaining at home or dealing with certain repairs are likely.
    Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Taylor Roloff, Encinal volleyball: The Jets standout had a fantastic match in the NCS Division IV semifinals, finishing with 27 kills, two assists and two blocks.
    Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Mater Dei reached the Open Division semifinals last season and finished 25-8.
    Dan Albano, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Cutting-edge test yields diagnoses for some medical mysteries A researcher loads DNA samples into a biorobot at UCSF’s China Basin laboratories.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • But when the gaps between grades and test scores are this immense and consistent, parents and the public should not be fooled.
    Karin Klein, The Mercury News, 13 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
  • Police said in the statement that Thomas was taken to a local hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
    Nicole Acosta, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The six victims who were wounded were taken to the Orlando Regional Medical Center and were in stable condition, Smith said.
    Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Coronado / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file The result is an arena with ambitions as lofty as the franchise’s dreams of winning a first NBA championship.
    Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Jelani Cobb an hour ago Kamala Harris’s Fourth Quarter Photograph by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters An old sports truism holds that defense wins championships.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Prosecutors say more than 200 people paid to have someone else take the state certification exam and now are scattered in classrooms across Texas.
    Andrew Torgan, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Sometimes the plans throw in extras like coverage for eye exams and glasses or gym memberships.
    Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near final

Cite this Entry

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on final

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