finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce finalize (audio)
finalized; finalizing

transitive verb

1
: to put in final or finished form
soon my conclusion will be finalizedD. D. Eisenhower
2
: to give final approval to
finalizing the papers prepared … by his staffNewsweek
finalization noun
Usage of Finalize

Finalize has been frequently castigated as an unnecessary neologism or as U.S. government gobbledygook. It appears to have first gained currency in Australia (where it has been acceptable all along) in the early 1920s. The U.S. Navy picked it up in the late 20s, and from there it came into widespread use. It is a standard formation (see -ize). Currently, it is most frequently used in government and business dealings; it usually is not found in belles-lettres.

Examples of finalize in a Sentence

They are finalizing their divorce this week. We bought our tickets and finalized our vacation plans.
Recent Examples on the Web After finalizing the investment, the firm found immigration lawyers to help the Musk brothers get work visas, according to Isaacson. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024 Private settlement paves way for construction The tribe is finally able to build the casino after finalizing a private settlement in early May with its former casino developer over the ground lease for its trust lands, officials said. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 31 May 2024 The house features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 5. $3 million, single-family residence in the 2000 block of Louis Road The sale of the single family residence in the 2000 block of Louis Road in Palo Alto has been finalized. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024 The proposals for Hillcrest and University City, which city officials have been discussing for years, could be finalized this summer by the City Council if planning commissioners express support this Thursday. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for finalize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'finalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of finalize was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near finalize

Cite this Entry

“Finalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalize. Accessed 7 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

finalize

verb
fi·​nal·​ize ˈfīn-ᵊl-īz How to pronounce finalize (audio)
finalized; finalizing
: to put in final or finished form

More from Merriam-Webster on finalize

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