Synonyms of conclusion
1
a
: a reasoned judgment : inference
The obvious conclusion is that she was negligent.
b
: the necessary consequence of two or more propositions taken as premises
especially : the inferred proposition of a syllogism
2
: the last part of something
The team was exhausted at the conclusion of the game.
: such as
a
: result, outcome
The peace talks came to a successful conclusion.
b
conclusions plural : trial of strength or skill
—used in the phrase try conclusions
c
: a final summation
the counsel's conclusion to the jury
d
: the final decision in a law case
e
: the final part of a pleading in law
3
: an act or instance of concluding
hoped for a quick conclusion to the war

Examples of conclusion in a Sentence

The evidence does not support the report's conclusions. The evidence points to the inescapable conclusion that she was negligent. The logical conclusion is that she was negligent. What led you to that conclusion? They haven't yet arrived at a conclusion. the conclusion of a business deal The case was finally brought to conclusion last week.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
However, there was not enough evidence to draw clear conclusions on whether free drug samples and other promotions affect decisions to place specific drugs on hospital formularies. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026 The commission's conclusion was not a ruling by an international court. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The difference between their conclusions may sometimes begin with where the researchers were standing. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 Look at the facts, examine the record, and draw the proper conclusions. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conclusion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conclusion-, conclusio, from concludere — see conclude

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of conclusion was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclusion. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

conclusion

noun
1
: a final decision reached by reasoning
came to the conclusion that we couldn't go
2
a
: the last part of something : end
b
: a final result : outcome
c
: a final summing up
the conclusion of a speech
3
: an act or instance of concluding

Legal Definition

conclusion

noun
1
: a judgment or opinion inferred from relevant facts
our conclusion upon the present evidence—Missouri v. Illinois, 200 U.S. 496 (1905)
2
a
: a final summarizing (as of a closing argument)
b
: the last or closing part of something
3
: an opinion or judgment offered without supporting evidence
specifically : an allegation made in a pleading that is not based on facts set forth in the pleading
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