FINISH Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'finish' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of finish are close , complete , conclude , end , and terminate . While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," finish may stress completion of a final step in a process. // after it is painted, the house will be finished

Q: When would 'close' be a good substitute for 'finish'?

The words close and finish can be used in similar contexts, but close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished. // close a debate

Q: When can 'complete' be used instead of 'finish'?

The synonyms complete and finish are sometimes interchangeable, but complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken. // the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Q: Where would 'conclude' be a reasonable alternative to 'finish'?

The meanings of conclude and finish largely overlap; however, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting). // the service concluded with a blessing

Q: When could 'end' be used to replace 'finish'?

Although the words end and finish have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality. // ended his life

Q: In what contexts can 'terminate' take the place of 'finish'?

The words terminate and finish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space. // your employment terminates after three months

finish 1 of 2

verb

ˈfi-nish

Definition of finish next

as in to complete

to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done we should finish the painting of the house by tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to end

to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point we'll finish the concert before dark

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as in to stop

to come to an end the three-day race finished yesterday

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finish

2 of 2

noun

as in ending

the last part of a process or action a pie-eating contest is the fair's traditional finish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in end

the stopping of a process or activity an all-out fight right to the finish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb finish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of finish are close, complete, conclude, end, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When would close be a good substitute for finish?

The words close and finish can be used in similar contexts, but close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

When can complete be used instead of finish?

The synonyms complete and finish are sometimes interchangeable, but complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Where would conclude be a reasonable alternative to finish?

The meanings of conclude and finish largely overlap; however, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

When could end be used to replace finish?

Although the words end and finish have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

In what contexts can terminate take the place of finish?

The words terminate and finish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

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 finish

Verb

A week ago, South Carolina fell at No. 3 Texas, 66-62, to finish what had been 57 straight regular-season Southeastern Conference wins. —

CBS News, 16 Feb. 2025 Lockridge finished 2024 as speed off the bench during the Padres’ postseason run, while Ornelas has yet to make his big-league debut. —

Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

Noun

Its concealer is great for both highlighting and covering blemishes, while its finish feels light and hydrating for hours. —

Deanna Pai, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2025 These finishes catch the light and sparkle brightly. —

Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for finish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for finish

Verb

The bill states that beginning on Sep. 1, 2025, any peace officer assigned to serve as an SRO must complete a training course that meets the requirements prior to assuming the duties of an SRO.

— Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Ferma said in a press release that demolition will begin in March, and that it's expected to be completed later this year.

— Kristal Dixon, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025