last 1 of 2

Definition of lastnext
1
2
3

last

2 of 2

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

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 last
Adjective
Mane was hyped for her own brand of revenge after losing 1-0 last season against her father. Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 Until the full transition is complete, double-check your ticket or confirm with your airline to avoid last-minute confusion. Shradha Shahani, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
In late March, Uber unveiled some fuel discounts and other offers for drivers that are set to last through nearly the end of May. Lora Kolodny,samantha Subin, CNBC, 6 May 2026 The Bridge program was initially planned to last six months — after that, the idea was to launch a longer-term program that would shift the cost of the drugs from the government to insurers. Jackie Fortiér, NPR, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • Cleveland had the lead and the ball in the final 20 seconds of overtime and still managed to lose 112-110.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 2 May 2026
  • Ridden by Jose Ortiz, Always a Runner made a move around the final turn and needed every bit of the stretch to pass Bob Baffert’s Explora and and Michael McCarthy’s Meaning before the finish line of the 1 1/8-mile race.
    Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • And yes, the replay should be conclusive.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While there is little conclusive, specific data on the relationship between mortality and long-term medication treatment, studies show that, in general, longer treatment durations yield better outcomes.
    Lev Facher, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The conspiracy charge holds a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, while the kidnapping charge is punishable by up to 20 years.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Accessible rooms cluster near reception on upper levels, convenient for restaurants but requiring maximum logistics to reach pools or beach.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fred, their oldest surviving child, was suspended from Princeton for cheating, then caught embezzling from his Seattle employer to feed, Church suspected, a gambling habit.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • The Sox survived a scare in the ninth.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • For now, though, Lozano remains out of sight, but not out of the conversation.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • First, since no one actually knows the future, guessing, speculating, or simply making things up remains the state of the art for almost everyone involved in describing it.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
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
  • These results were championed as the country’s official victory over the virus and a decisive win for those advocating for digital vaccination credential systems.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • After scoring a decisive goal in Buffalo’s series-clinching win against Boston in Game 6, Benson was all over the ice in the first period against Montreal.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • SpaceX was responsible for most of the 71 rockets launched last year from Vandenberg, one of the world’s busiest spaceports.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
  • For most of the nation’s history, the former Confederate states have worked hard to minimize the political influence of Black residents in particular.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on last

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster