finalize

especially British, fi·na·lise

[fahyn-l-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

finalized, finalizing 

1. to put into final form; complete all the details of.

verb (used without object)

finalized, finalizing 

1. to complete an agreement; conclude negotiations.

   We should finalize by the end of the week.

finalize

/ ˈfaɪnəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to put into final form; settle

   to finalize plans for the merger

2. (intr) to complete arrangements or negotiations; reach agreement on a transaction

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

Spelling Note

See -ize.

Other Word Forms

• finalization noun
• finalizer noun
• unfinalized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of finalize¹

First recorded in 1920–25; final + -ize

Example Sentences

The U.S. has finalized crucial details of its planned rescue of Argentina, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday.

Read more on Barron's

A day later, they were still focused on finalizing the details and patching up gaps in the agreement, the official said.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Rules and guidelines are still not finalized, but investors will likely see private-market offerings in employer-sponsored retirement plans within the next couple of years.

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Over the next several years, these new states finalized a unifying treaty called the Articles of Confederation.

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For Chung, the struggle to get in Washington’s good graces is personally vexing as Korea tries to finalize a trade deal that would ease the pain of U.S. tariffs.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• agree 
• conclude 
• decide 
• settle 
• work out 
• wrap up