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.

As President-elect Donald Trump finalizes some high-level roles in his incoming administration, JPMorgan Chase (JPM+1.11%) chief Jamie Dimon is not in the running. —

Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 According to Ramsey County, preliminary design for the project took place from fall 2023 to 2024, and construction plans will be finalized in 2025. —

Maddie Robinson, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024 Aiming to cut methane emissions from the United States, President Joe Biden’s administration on Tuesday finalized a methane fee for big oil and gas producers. —

Reuters, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024 The lone constitutional amendment question on Tuesday's ballot had not been finalized by the end of the night, with the latest results showing 53% of voters voting to approve the measure that would change the governor's line of succession and 46% voting against. —

Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for finalize