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finalize

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

Definition of finalize

transitive verb

1 : to put in final or finished form soon my conclusion will be finalized— D. D. Eisenhower
2 : to give final approval to finalizing the papers prepared … by his staff — Newsweek
Other Words from finalize Synonyms Usage of Finalize More Example Sentences Learn More about finalize

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Other Words from finalize

finalization \ ˌfī-​nə-​lə-​ˈzā-​shən How to pronounce finalization (audio) \ 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

 According to Passan, Glass is looking to finalize the sale with John Sherman, a local businessman who also owns a minority share of the Cleveland Indians. — Alaa Abdeldaiem, SI.com, "Report: Royals Owner David Glass Negotiating Sale of Team for $1 Billion," 27 Aug. 2019 With a year and a half still left on the current deal, there’s no immediate rush for the Marlins and FOX Sports to finalize a new contract. — Wells Dusenbury, sun-sentinel.com, "As Marlins negotiate TV contract, does Royals’ new deal provide any insight?," 27 Aug. 2019 As the two schools continued to finalize arrangements for the final football game, the men's basketball series fell into place, Bohn said. — Kevin Allen, USA TODAY, "Why it took Ohio State and Cincinnati 16 years and multiple revisions to finish two-game series," 26 Aug. 2019 Seminole’s teachers are the second in Central Florida to finalize a salary plan in a year when the call for better salaries has become amplified. — Leslie Postal, orlandosentinel.com, "Seminole teachers approve 3% raise plan," 26 Aug. 2019 The vote still needs to be finalized at the plenary session at the end, when all appendix change proposals passed in committee are officially adopted. — Rachel Fobar, National Geographic, "Proposal to open up rhino horn trade rejected," 25 Aug. 2019 The department had failed to finalize Marie’s health insurance, according to DCF correspondence. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "She’s been bounced through more than a dozen foster homes. And she’s just 6," 24 Aug. 2019 Should no working majority be found, Mattarella’s last resort option to avoid elections would be installing a technocratic government to finalize the budget (avoiding the VAT hikes) and getting the country to 2020 elections. — Ian Bremmer, Time, "Italy’s Government Has Collapsed. What Happens Next?," 23 Aug. 2019 This largely political issue will not be solved by NASA, but the Clipper mission's planners need to know their launch vehicle sooner rather than later to finalize its design. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Rocket Report: Single-core Delta IV is no more, fully automated Soyuz," 23 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'finalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of finalize

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for finalize

final entry 1 + -ize

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More Definitions for finalize

finalize

verb
How to pronounce finalize (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of finalize

: to put (something, such as a plan or an agreement) in a final or finished form

See the full definition for finalize in the English Language Learners Dictionary

finalize

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

Kids Definition of finalize

: to put in a final or finished form … Hermione ushered them out of the hall to finalize their plans for the evening.— J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets

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