finalize

verb

fi·nal·ize ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz

finalized; finalizing

Synonyms of finalize next

transitive verb

: to put in final or finished form

soon my conclusion will be finalized—

D. D. Eisenhower

: to give final approval to

finalizing the papers prepared … by his staff—

Newsweek

finalization

ˌfī-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən

noun

Usage of Finalize

Finalize has been frequently castigated as an unnecessary neologism or as U.S. government gobbledygook. It appears to have first gained currency in Australia (where it has been acceptable all along) in the early 1920s. The U.S. Navy picked it up in the late 20s, and from there it came into widespread use. It is a standard formation (see -ize). Currently, it is most frequently used in government and business dealings; it usually is not found in belles-lettres.

Examples of finalize in a Sentence

They are finalizing their divorce this week. We bought our tickets and finalized our vacation plans.

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.

Adoptions were finalized in a joint ceremony on Dec. 27 in Edwardsville. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who credited Pelinka with rumors of the trade not getting out before the deal was finalized, spoke with reporters on Sunday after the trade was officially made earlier in the day. —

Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 3 Feb. 2025 The pressure to close out accounts, reconcile ledgers, and finalize financial statements comes at a time already brimming with the holiday rush, New Year preparations, and strategic planning for the road ahead. —

William Mullane, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025 The pair separated in 2006, and their divorce was finalized in 2007. —

Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for finalize