as in final
formal
occurring immediately before the last one; next to the last
the penultimate chapter of the book the penultimate syllable of the word
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 penultimate
Benjamin Byron Davis is the fourth actor to play Thorne in history, debuting in the penultimate episode of Creature Commandos.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The address was Polis’ penultimate annual speech to the legislature.
—Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025
The title is a reference to the penultimate song of the hit Broadway musical, in which Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo in the film adaptation) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) sing about how their relationship has impacted their lives.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
Star Wars’ Skeleton Crew series continues to be one of the best things Disney Star Wars has produced, and last night had an excellent penultimate episode before its season (series?) finale.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for penultimate 
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The address was Polis’ penultimate annual speech to the legislature.
—Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025
The title is a reference to the penultimate song of the hit Broadway musical, in which Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo in the film adaptation) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) sing about how their relationship has impacted their lives.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
Star Wars’ Skeleton Crew series continues to be one of the best things Disney Star Wars has produced, and last night had an excellent penultimate episode before its season (series?) finale.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for penultimate
Thesaurus Entries Near penultimate
Cite this Entry
“Penultimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penultimate. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share