finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce finalize (audio)
finalized; finalizing

transitive verb

1
: to put in final or finished form
soon my conclusion will be finalizedD. D. Eisenhower
2
: to give final approval to
finalizing the papers prepared … by his staffNewsweek
finalization 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.
The remaining steps include finalizing Zena's go-to-market strategy and online consumer questionnaire, conducting an actual use trial with over 1,800 participants, and obtaining FDA and advisor committee review of OTC data. Geri Stengel, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Megan Fox debuted her relationship with MGK way before the divorce was finalized As for their co-parenting plans, Green and Fox amicably split their time between their three kids— sons Noah, 12, Bodhi, 10, and Journey, 8. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 10 Dec. 2024 While this may be the final version of the software, additional tweaks could still be made before the release is finalized. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Results from the school board election and other races throughout California were just finalized December 3 because state laws and voting-by-mail procedures require more time to process ballots. Nadra Nittle, Them, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for finalize 

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of finalize was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near finalize

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

finalize

verb
fi·​nal·​ize ˈfīn-ᵊl-īz How to pronounce finalize (audio)
finalized; finalizing
: to put in final or finished form

More from Merriam-Webster on finalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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