LAST Synonyms: 204 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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adjective

Definition of last next

as in final

following all others of the same kind in order or time last one in the pool is a rotten egg fans waiting for the last book in the series to be released

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conclusive

serving to put an end to all debate or questioning a book that purports to be the last word on the investigation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in most

of the greatest or highest degree or quantity our last praise should be reserved for those original thinkers who expand the frontiers of science and technology

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

last

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verb

ˈlast

as in to survive

to continue to operate or to meet one's needs we were lucky that the batteries lasted until we could get to the store to buy more

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to remain

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state this heavy drought has lasted all summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

What To Know The East Asian country posted 240,000 births last year, according to preliminary estimates, boosting the country's fertility rate to 0.75 from 0.72 in 2023. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 The House passed a bill last year that would have, among other things, required a majority of practicing lawyers on the commission. —

Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025

Verb

Rubio’s memo reportedly did not provide additional details about the suspension policy, including how long any such suspension periods may last. —

Samantha Riedel, Them, 24 Jan. 2025 If your baby’s acne lasts for months, a healthcare provider may prescribe a topical treatment to improve it. —

Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for last

Recent Examples of Synonyms for last

Adjective

The exact cause of the fire, which killed 17 people and destroyed more than 9,000 homes and businesses, remains under investigation, and a final determination could take many months.

— Ivan Penn, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025
There were 18 matches, 64 goals, three hat-tricks and plenty of drama on the final day of the new-look league phase of the Champions League.

— Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025