FINALISTS Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

finalists

noun

plural of finalist

as in placers

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in semifinalists

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

noncompetitors

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of finalists Gilgeous-Alexander — the reigning NBA MVP — is one of the finalists for this year’s top individual honor, along with Denver’s Nikola Jokic and the Spurs’ Wembanyama, who is also a finalist for defensive player of the year. — Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 Auriemma, Ralph named Coach of the Year finalists UConn coach Geno Auriemma was also named a finalist for Naismith Coach of the Year on Wednesday. — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026 Miguel had brought Reina’s résumé to Nakia as one of two finalists, the other finalist being a guy who had done a year at Le Cordon Bleu. — Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for finalists

Noun

Less than a month ago, Mark Walter was the undisputed king of Los Angeles sports as owner of the NBA’s marquee franchise Lakers and the MLB’s Dodgers, the reigning World Series champs.

— Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
This is the first time two Orlando-area schools have won state all-sports honors in a school year since 2019-20, when Oviedo and Lake Highland Prep were champs.

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of champs

Noun

The $4 million will be invested over the next three years in supporting new entrants and re-skilling mid-career professionals.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
The energy apprenticeship pipeline only had 45,000 entrants in 2024, but really needs 65,000 professionals flowing in yearly to close the labor supply gap.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of entrants

Noun

The event returns to Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday with a full slate of matches and the possibility of new world champions being crowned in front of more than 40,000 people.

— Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The international champions took the lead for good on a two-run double by Jaymiell Martina in the fourth.

— Alex Harkins, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of champions

Noun

As winners take the stage, the audience showers them with paper airplanes.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
But as was the case on Emmy-nominations morning, there are sure to be surprises when the final Emmy winners are announced on September 14.

— Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of winners

Browse Nearby Words

finalist

finalists

finalities

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Finalists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finalists. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of finalists

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes