finalize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(tr) to put into final form; settle
to finalize plans for the merger
-
(intr) to complete arrangements or negotiations; reach agreement on a transaction
Spelling
See -ize.
Usage
Although finalize has been in widespread use for some time, many speakers and writers still prefer to use complete, conclude , or make final , esp in formal contexts
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of finalize
Explanation
When you put the finishing touches on something, such as agreeing on a specific time and place to meet your friend on Saturday, you finalize your plans. The word finalize is relatively new, and often people choose to use the words conclude or complete instead, maybe because finalize seems a little fake to them. In the 1920s, an Australian writer took the word final, meaning the very last, and the suffix -ize, and stuck them together to make finalize. Before long it showed up in dictionaries, and the invention of the word was finalized.
Vocabulary lists containing finalize
This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for December 19–25, 2020
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for November 10–November 16, 2024
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ize
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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.
Paramount, led 43-year-old David Ellison, wants to finalize its Warner Bros. takeover by the end of September.
From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026
Both parties will cooperate to finalize the transaction structure, UniCredit said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
The ailing budget airline had been hoping to finalize a $500 million lifeline from the government before running out of cash.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Long-term negotiations are still new to hyperscalers more accustomed to two- or three-year agreements, Amicucci said, so they may take time to finalize.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
Ophie followed the rest of the household staff as they went to the kitchen to finalize preparations for the evening meal.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
