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

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adjective

Definition of last next

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 most

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

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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

Examples 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

The deficit had grown to $19.1 million last year and was projected to get even larger in fiscal year 2024-25. —

Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024 The Fed's next meeting — its last scheduled meeting for 2024 — is Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. —

Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

Verb

With quality materials, one bed can last from kindergarten through the inevitable ninth-grade ask for a full upgrade. —

Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024 The composite filter lasts up to two years, while the RO filter can go an impressive four years without needing replacement. —

New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for last

Recent Examples of Synonyms for last

Adjective

This is a great do-it-all jacket for winters that are equal parts wet, cold, and windy, with a two-layer Gore-Tex outer offering the most water resistance of any jacket in our final lineup.

Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
The Broncos navigated their final drive beautifully, bled the clock all the way down and didn’t give it back to Mahomes.

Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024