final

[ fahyn-l ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or coming at the end; last in place, order, or time:

   the final meeting of the year.

   Antonyms: first, initial

2. ultimate:

   The final goal is world peace.

3. conclusive or decisive:

   a final decision.

   Synonyms: unalterable, irreversible, irrevocable, definite

4. constituting the end or purpose:

   a final result.

5. pertaining to or expressing the end or purpose:

   a final clause.

6. Law.
   1. precluding further controversy on the questions passed upon:

      The judicial determination of the Supreme Court is final.

   2. determining all issues presented, so that no further decision upon the merits of the issues is necessary:

      a final judgment or decree.

7. Phonetics. occurring at the end of a word or syllable, as the (t) sound in bit or bite.

noun

1. that which is last; that which forms an end or termination.
2. Often finals.
   1. the last and decisive game, match, contest, or round in a series, as in sports.
   2. the last, usually comprehensive, examination in a course of study.
3. the last edition of a newspaper published on any day.
4. Music. the tonic note of a church mode.

final

/ ˈfaɪnəl /

adjective

1. of or occurring at the end; concluding; ultimate; last
2. having no possibility for further discussion, action, or change; conclusive; decisive

   a final decree of judgment

3. relating to or constituting an end or purpose

   a final clause may be introduced by ``in order to''

4. phonetics at the end of a word Compare medial initial

   ``cat'' has a final ``t''

5. music another word for perfect

noun

1. a terminal or last thing; end
2. a deciding contest between the winners of previous rounds in a competition
3. music the tonic note of a church mode

Other Words From

• pseudo·final adjective
• pseudo·final·ly adverb
• quasi-final adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of final¹

First recorded in 1300–50; 1915–20 final fordef 10; Middle English, from Latin fīnālis, equivalent to fīn(is) “end” + -ālis adjective suffix; -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of final¹

C14: from Latin fīnālis , from fīnis limit, boundary

Idioms and Phrases

see in the final analysis .

Synonym Study

See last ¹.

Example Sentences

Austin Reaves, who starred in the final a year ago despite an illness, said he agrees with Redick.

From Los Angeles Times

Jarmond’s extension to a contract set to expire in the summer of 2026 was finalized in the spring, according to the school, at a time when chancellor Gene Block was in his final months on the job.

From Los Angeles Times

The men’s basketball team reached the Final Four in 2021 and won a Pac-12 title in 2023 before backsliding to a losing record last season.

From Los Angeles Times

One reason the subject is so sensitive is that accounts of some of Trump’s unorthodox first-term dealings with serving and retired military officials are fresh in the minds of many, aired in the final weeks of the presidential campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

When Marie Antoinette, who had no knowledge of the transaction, was contacted about the absence of the final payment, the cardinal was arrested but declared innocent.

From BBC

Related Words

• closing
• concluding
• eventual
• last-minute
• ultimate