FINAL Synonyms: 180 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of final are last , terminal , and ultimate . While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress. // final day of school

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

The meanings of last and final largely overlap; however, 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 'terminal' instead of 'final'?

While in some cases nearly identical to final , terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development. // terminal phase of a disease

Q: When is 'ultimate' a more appropriate choice than 'final'?

The synonyms ultimate and final are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

final 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfī-nᵊl

Definition of final

as in last

following all others of the same kind in order or time this will be my final order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in certain

having been established and usually not subject to change the wedding date is final

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

final

2 of 2

noun

as in semifinal

Related Words

as in test

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective final contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of final are last, terminal, and ultimate. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When would last be a good substitute for final?

The meanings of last and final largely overlap; however, 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 terminal instead of final?

While in some cases nearly identical to final, terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

When is ultimate a more appropriate choice than final?

The synonyms ultimate and final are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 final

Adjective

The final edit is close to what the screenwriters intended, with a few scenes missing for length. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026 Clubs may sometimes have the final say — that is a reality of professional football. — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Noun

Why did the team opt to release a Spanish version of the song weeks after the World Cup final? — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026 The last time two American women played in the Cincinnati final was in 1970, when Rosie Casals beat Nancy Richey. — Jeff Wallner, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for final

Recent Examples of Synonyms for final

Adjective

At its last meeting, some RBA board members had considered the case for additional tightening, saying that inflation in the country was still too high.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Below, find last-chance deals on summer sandals, fall-ready booties, ultra-cute ballet flats, and more for up to 79 percent off.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of last

Adjective

But there’s also still room to grow, and certain structural issues as a result of this eight-ish-episodes-per-year format.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
OpenAI announcing that its upcoming AI model, dubbed Astra, breaches certain cybersecurity thresholds and will have throttled-back cyber capabilities when released.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of certain

Noun

Athletic will be back at home to face Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday, and then welcomes the Colorado Switchbacks for their USL Cup semifinal on September 8.

— Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 27 Aug. 2026
No player with a one-handed backhand has reached a Grand Slam semifinal in 2026.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of semifinal

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 American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.

— Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023

Definition of latest

Adjective

Dark matter has never been detected, but it is believed to make up 85% of the total matter in the universe and help hold stars and galaxies in stable orbits.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
At the time of transport, two patients were in serious condition and four were in stable condition.

— Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of stable

Noun

Health-care professionals could sell medical records; students could sell exams; aides and staffers could sell political dirt; anyone with security clearance could pay off their mortgage or buy a new car.

— Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to advocate for a thorough skin exam.

— Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of exam

Browse Nearby Words

finagling

final

finale

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Style

“Final.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/final. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of final

adjective

noun

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