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last

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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

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
Gascón’s controversial social media posts were revealed by journalist Sarah Hagi last week. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025 With the passing last year of Dickey Betts, combined with the deaths in the last decade of Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks, tributes to the Allman Brothers Band have taken on a new poignancy. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
The Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club’s contribution exemplifies the spirit of Rotary by combining financial support with volunteer service to create lasting, positive impacts in the community. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025 What’s a seemingly small interaction that left a lasting impact on them? Mark Travers, Contributor, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for last
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last
Adjective
  • There are seven championship games on Saturday, including Oaks Christian taking on Newport Harbor in the Open Division final at 12:10 p.m. … Corona, ranked No. 1 by The Times, opens its high school baseball season on Saturday at 11 a.m. at home against Los Osos.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Mitty went on to win CCS and NorCal Open championships and then took Mater Dei to the wire in the state Open final before losing 50-45.
    Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In a new interview with Classic Rock, bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson discussed the band’s conclusive world tour, which coincided with drummer Neil Peart‘s failing health.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025
  • There’s simply not enough conclusive evidence to know precisely how these products influence cardiovascular health, Samantha Coogan, RDN, a nutrition sciences professor and director of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Health.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Hawk-Eye systems are already implemented at most professional tennis tournaments and have even led to the removal of human line judges in three of the sport’s four biggest tournaments.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Lastly, most clinics in Turkey provide VIP packages covering consultation and pre-op tests, the hair transplant procedure, hotel accommodation (usually 4–5 stars), transportation (airport to hotel and clinic), and post-operative care and follow-ups.
    Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Millie’s share of cost was calculated to leave her no more than the federal government thinks a single person needs to survive: $600 per month.
    Danilyn Rutherford, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The challenge is to survive the negative cash-flow of a startup before revenue starts to arrive from customers and clients who need and learn about your exciting innovation or service.
    Martin Zwilling, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Red Wings hold the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 25 games remaining.
    Max Bultman, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • In an era where digital connection remains the assumed norm for everything from professional meetings to dating, the yearning for a third place (a location for social interaction outside of home or work) has never been more present.
    Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
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
  • But with sustainable aviation fuels costing three to four times more than traditional jet fuel, Boom faces a decisive question: Can airlines make money selling supersonic tickets while burning premium fuel?
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Expect goals, expect drama, and if Madrid find themselves behind in the dying stages, expect to see Bellingham as the game’s decisive figure… again.
    Mark Carey, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Seeing all the threats ahead creates a special kind of anxiety, almost a helplessness for fans who are breathlessly waiting to see if their heroes can prevail.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The prevailing wisdom on Wall Street is that that’s a high hurdle for stocks.
    , CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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