finalist

noun

fi·​nal·​ist ˈfī-nə-list How to pronounce finalist (audio)
Synonyms of finalistnext
: a contestant in a competition finals

Examples of finalist in a Sentence

They interviewed all of the finalists before making a decision. a finalist in the tennis tournament
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The 2024 finalist cruised to a 6-3, 6-1 win over American compatriot Sofia Kenin (WC). — Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The program received more than 100 applications and advanced 20 students to the finalist round. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 Irwin and Carson finished ahead of fellow finalists Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 In addition to all the season eight finalists still being together and continuing to grow their connections, Titi and KC, and Dylan and Kenzie are also still in relationships post-show. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for finalist

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finalist was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

finalism
finalist
finality
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Finalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalist. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

finalist

noun
fi·​nal·​ist ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce finalist (audio)
: a contestant in the finals of a competition

More from Merriam-Webster on finalist

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for finalist

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