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

Example 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

Gascón’s controversial social media posts were revealed by journalist Sarah Hagi last week. —

Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025 With the passing last year of Dickey Betts, combined with the deaths in the last decade of Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks, tributes to the Allman Brothers Band have taken on a new poignancy. —

David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025

Verb

The Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club’s contribution exemplifies the spirit of Rotary by combining financial support with volunteer service to create lasting, positive impacts in the community. —

News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025 What’s a seemingly small interaction that left a lasting impact on them? —

Mark Travers, Contributor, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for last

Recent Examples of Synonyms for last

Adjective

It will be included in a final report expected within the next one to two years, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

— Katie Smith, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
This was at around 9:30 p.m.; the PGAs still had a few presentations before the final category of Best Picture.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2025