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Synonyms

end-all

American  
[end-awl] / ˈɛndˌɔl /

noun

  1. the ultimate purpose, object, or conclusion.

    Money is the be-all and end-all of his existence.

  2. something that brings things to such an end or conclusion.


end-all British  

noun

  1. short for be-all and end-all

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of end-all

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

One reason that Snead could be so fearless was that he had come to the realization that, contrary to NFL orthodoxy, the draft wasn’t the be-all, end-all of teambuilding.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 28, 2026

However, ECB chief executive Richard Gould says India isn't the be-all and end-all.

From BBC Aug. 16, 2026

But California would not prove to be the be-all and end-all for the rapper, who chose to lay down more permanent roots in Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City.

From MarketWatch Feb. 18, 2026

But Olympic medal tables do not tell the full story, and are not the be-all and end-all.

From BBC Feb. 15, 2026

Peck’s access to an end-all weapon makes him valuable.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

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