finalist

noun

fi·​nal·​ist ˈfī-nə-list How to pronounce finalist (audio)
Synonyms of finalistnext
: a contestant in a competition finals

Examples of finalist in a Sentence

They interviewed all of the finalists before making a decision. a finalist in the tennis tournament
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.
Here's a snapshot of the finalists, but make sure to check out our gallery to see more images that'll brighten your day. — New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026 The artist is a finalist in 15 categories, including recognition for DINASTÍA, his collaborative album with Peso Pluma. — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026 That list was culled to 1,015 firms, and finalists completed surveys to confirm key details. — Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,kelli Grant, Cfp®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 The hard part for now really rests with Webb, who was a finalist for multiple head coaching jobs in the previous cycle and had chances to join other teams in a play-calling role for the 2026 season. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for finalist

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finalist was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

finalism
finalist
finality
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

finalist

noun
fi·​nal·​ist ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce finalist (audio)
: a contestant in the finals of a competition

More from Merriam-Webster on finalist

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