ultimate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈəl-tə-mət How to pronounce ultimate (audio)
Definition of ultimatenext
1
as in maximum
of the greatest or highest degree or quantity the ultimate speed yet attained by a land-based vehicle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in final
following all others of the same kind in order or time the ultimate speaker at today's meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in farthest
most distant from a center the ultimate edges of the universe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ultimate

2 of 2

noun

1
as in consummation

Related Words
2
as in utmost

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Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ultimate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ultimate are final, last, and terminal. While all these words mean "following all others (as in time, order, or importance)," ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible.

the ultimate collapse of the system

When would final be a good substitute for ultimate?

The words final and ultimate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress.

final day of school

In what contexts can last take the place of ultimate?

While the synonyms last and ultimate are close in meaning, last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped.

last page of a book
last news we had of him

When could terminal be used to replace ultimate?

The synonyms terminal and ultimate are sometimes interchangeable, but terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development.

terminal phase of a disease

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 ultimate
Adjective
The ultimate cause of death is still under investigation by the Lancaster County coroner. — Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 Meta was facing the prospect of truly massive damages in the California case with some speculating that the ultimate number could have gone as high as $200 billion. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
Enjoy twin- or double-bedded Superior Cabins, or go for the ultimate with a gigantic Han Dynasty Suite. — Eleanor Flagler Hardy, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 The ability to judge, curate, and refine AI output will be the new ultimate (and human) competitive advantage. — Larry English, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ultimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ultimate
  1. maximum
  2. final
  3. farthest
  4. consummation
  5. utmost
  6. most
  7. latest
  8. epitome
Adjective
  • And as the rapturous applause and screaming showed, such stealthy-chic designs, with small details and a sharp silhouette, still have maximum impact.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The table below includes maximum DTI limits and minimum credit score requirements for all of the loan products Rocket Mortgage offers.
    — Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of maximum
Adjective
  • Analysts point out that this is very likely the final World Cup of Ronaldo's career.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • On her final day, a report said she was asked to join The View.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of final
Adjective
  • That's close to the farthest point in its orbit, which is 252,088 miles away, according to NASA.
    — Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2023
  • At its farthest, the capsule was more than 268,000 miles from Earth.
    — Marcia Dunn, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2022
Definition of farthest
Noun
  • Variable rates may increase after consummation.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 26 June 2026
  • After the flirtation and its consummation, David beats a hasty (and unsurprising) retreat.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Definition of consummation
Noun
  • First and foremost, Chelsea will be trying their utmost in the final week to ensure that this does not happen.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Hospital staff were amazing and did the utmost to help, but ultimately nothing could be done despite their best efforts.
    — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Definition of utmost
Adjective
  • The win was a step in the right direction for a lineup that has struggled at the plate for most of the last two months.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Bryan Danielson was more excited about McGuinness reaching the ropes than most of Wembley Stadium, but Nigel ultimately tapped out.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of most
Adjective
  • The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
  • The American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.
    — Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023
Definition of latest
Noun
  • The epitome of effortlessly stylish, this flowy maxi dress features functional pockets and zero wrinkles.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The epitome of effortless beauty, messy bob haircuts deliver on style sans effort.
    — Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of epitome

Browse Nearby Words

ulterior
ultimate
ultimately
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Cite this Entry

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

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