conclusion

noun

con·​clu·​sion kən-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce conclusion (audio)
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.
The Juan Soto free agency sweepstakes could be nearing a conclusion. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 Trial of Ricard Allen for the Delphi murders A heartbreaking story that garnered national attention and spanned more than seven years finally came to a conclusion in 2024 when a jury found Delphi's Richard Allen guilty on all counts in the murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024 At the conclusion, we’re treated to videos and photographs of the real-life figures, including footage of the unit arriving in Europe, an interview with Derriecott King at age 100 and a clip of Michelle Obama paying tribute to two of the surviving women from the unit. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024 Here’s What Really Happened The cause and manner of her death are pending based on the conclusion of the investigations being completed by the San Francisco Police Department and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office — Coroner Division, the Marin County Sheriff's Office added. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near conclusion

Cite this Entry

“Conclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclusion. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

conclusion

noun
con·​clu·​sion kən-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce conclusion (audio)
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
con·​clu·​sion kən-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce conclusion (audio)
1
: a judgment or opinion inferred from relevant facts
our conclusion upon the present evidenceMissouri 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

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusion

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