ULTIMATE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'ultimate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ultimate are final , last , and terminal . While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," 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

Q: When would 'final' be a good substitute for 'ultimate'?

The words final and ultimate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress. // final day of school

Q: In what contexts can 'last' take the place of 'ultimate'?

While the synonyms last and ultimate are close in meaning, 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 could 'terminal' be used to replace 'ultimate'?

The synonyms terminal and ultimate are sometimes interchangeable, but terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development. // terminal phase of a disease

ultimate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈəl-tə-mət

Definition of ultimate next

as in maximum

of the greatest or highest degree or quantity the ultimate speed yet attained by a land-based vehicle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in final

following all others of the same kind in order or time the ultimate speaker at today's meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in farthest

most distant from a center the ultimate edges of the universe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ultimate

2 of 2

noun

as in consummation

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in utmost

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ultimate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ultimate are final, last, and terminal. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," 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

When would final be a good substitute for ultimate?

The words final and ultimate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

In what contexts can last take the place of ultimate?

While the synonyms last and ultimate are close in meaning, 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 could terminal be used to replace ultimate?

The synonyms terminal and ultimate are sometimes interchangeable, but terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

Examples 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 ultimate

Adjective

Chinese start-ups in Shanghai and Shenzhen saw an initial public offering on the Nasdaq or New York Stock Exchange as the ultimate symbol of success. —

Meaghan Tobin, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 The promotion runs through January 24, 2025, giving travelers extra time to plan the ultimate vacation to the Caribbean or Mexico. —

Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025

Noun

Combined with attack speed buffs and well, close to unlimited ultimates in sequence. —

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 This book, this whole thing, has been the ultimate of my art. —

Liz Smith, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ultimate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ultimate

Adjective

Ohio State fans’ visceral reaction to losing to Michigan was in part because we have been conditioned for generations to believe a two-loss team, particularly when one of those losses occurs in the final game, signals the end of the season.

— Jason Lloyd, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Political debate around the ERA has ramped up in Biden's final months in office.

— Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025