LAST Synonyms: 204 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

In some situations, the words final and last are roughly equivalent. However, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress. // final day of school

Q: When can 'terminal' be used instead of 'last'?

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

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

While in some cases nearly identical to last , 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

last 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of last

as in final

following all others of the same kind in order or time last one in the pool is a rotten egg fans waiting for the last book in the series to be released

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conclusive

serving to put an end to all debate or questioning a book that purports to be the last word on the investigation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in maximum

of the greatest or highest degree or quantity our last praise should be reserved for those original thinkers who expand the frontiers of science and technology

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

last

2 of 2

verb

ˈlast

as in to survive

to continue to operate or to meet one's needs we were lucky that the batteries lasted until we could get to the store to buy more

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to remain

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state this heavy drought has lasted all summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective last contrast with its synonyms?

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

In some situations, the words final and last are roughly equivalent. However, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

When can terminal be used instead of last?

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

terminal phase of a disease

When is ultimate a more appropriate choice than last?

While in some cases nearly identical to last, 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 last

Adjective

Zhang heads a seven-member jury for Busan’s competition, which launched last year and this year features 13 titles. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 Rather than arenas, Smith is continuing the To Be Free global residency, which kicked off last fall at Brooklyn’s Warsaw and has included runs at San Francisco’s historic Castro Theatre, Mexico and the United Kingdom. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026

Verb

The gift market has grown because consumers are increasingly drawn to objects with meaning and lasting value, rather than things that feel disposable in an already very digital world. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 This time, experts and advocates hope there’s lasting change. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for last

Recent Examples of Synonyms for last

Adjective

The pump wagon’s relevance to Bowery culture will only be apparent in the exhibition’s final gallery, which is dominated by a comparable artifact, Brad Kalhammer’s installation Bowery Nation (1985–2012).

— J. Hoberman, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Johnny calls David with this update just in time to stop Cathcarts’ final offer from reaching the Taylor & Byrne camp.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of final

Adjective

Some experiments also indicate improvement in markers of inflammation, though, here, as with many areas, the findings are not conclusive, says Lee.

— Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
The reply from John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball, was far less conclusive.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of conclusive

Adjective

Rachel had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
As of early evening, the storm was centered about 90 miles south of Pensacola and moving to the north-northeast, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, the center said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of maximum

Verb

Some survive because treatment works, not because the cancer was detected earlier; others survive because they were overdiagnosed (diagnosed with a cancer not destined to cause symptoms or death).

— H. Gilbert Welch, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
The best-selling novels follow the chaotic and relatable Brooks family as their eldest, Lottie, 11 and ¾, tries to survive the awkwardness of growing up.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of survive

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

Lukas Dostal made 12 saves, stopping just six of 11 shots in the decisive middle period before being replaced to start the third.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Public confidence will play a decisive role in the growth of fusion power.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of decisive

Adjective

In most cases, bed and board have to be paid for, but there are a series of daily spending caps on different elements, such as food and hotel costs.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 11 Oct. 2026
Trump and Congress also canceled federal tax credits for most renewable energy projects.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of most

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Style

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of last

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verb

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Synonyms of last

adjective

verb

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Phrases Containing last

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Cite this Entry

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