ultimately

adverb

ul·​ti·​mate·​ly ˈəl-tə-mət-lē How to pronounce ultimately (audio)
Synonyms of ultimately
1
: in the end : fundamentally
the word comes ultimately from Latin
2
: eventually
ultimately, they agreed

Synonyms of ultimately

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Examples of ultimately in a Sentence

The changes ultimately proved to be unnecessary. Ultimately, it's a question of who is more popular.
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 style remained wildly popular into the 1930s and early 1940s, ultimately becoming a wardrobe staple. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 During the 2022 search that ultimately led to Graves’ selection, a coalition of business, civic and faith groups held seven listening sessions and conducted online surveys to gather feedback on what residents wanted in the next chief. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 But, unable to determine who’s a true threat, the Weapons ultimately cause mass destruction on anyone or anything who stands in their way. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 The way our clients can build audiences, create ideas and ultimately own businesses is changing incredibly quickly. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultimately

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultimately was in 1652

Browse Nearby Words

ultimate line
ultimately
ultimate mortality table
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ultimately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultimately. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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