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

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
Think of them as the ultimate IRL treasure hunt, where the payoff can be anything from a sculptural 1970s burl wood coffee table to a retro Murano glass mushroom lamp. —Jazmine A. Ortiz, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 Known as the Mansion, the ultra-luxe enclave is the ultimate backstage pass to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
The ultimate is an off-the-grid, island-hopping kayak camping trip. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2025 Loro Piana was a master class experience in the ultimate of Italian refinement and materiality. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 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
  • The conspiracy charge holds a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, while the kidnapping charge is punishable by up to 20 years.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Accessible rooms cluster near reception on upper levels, convenient for restaurants but requiring maximum logistics to reach pools or beach.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of maximum
Adjective
  • An Eliot Wolf pick Eliot Wolf will have final say on the Patriots’ draft picks Saturday, when Mike Vrabel will be away with his family and seeking counseling.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Redick worked with James’ trainer Mike Mancias to ensure his 41-year-old star’s durability in the final aughts of the game – the four-time NBA MVP eventually playing a team-high 45 minutes while using any opportunity to sink to the floor for a breather.
    — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 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
  • After the flirtation and its consummation, David beats a hasty (and unsurprising) retreat.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Variable rates may increase after consummation.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
Definition of consummation
Noun
  • That match with Fonseca was power tennis at its utmost.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Guests are pampered in personal huts that provide the utmost in privacy and silence and can choose from a full menu of options, including massages and facials that highlight local traditions and skin-healthy ingredients.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
Definition of utmost
Adjective
  • Saturday’s large crowd witnessed a low-scoring contest for most of the afternoon.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Now that’s out of reach for most people between student debt and home prices and the economy slanted toward the very, very top one per cent.
    — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 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 shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    — Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
Definition of latest
Noun
  • Here on the shore, overlooking the lighthouse and the harbor’s bobbing boats, partners Claire Hanrahan and Andrew Ainslie’s restaurant is the epitome of laidback chic with its country-kitchen interiors and butter yellow frontage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Beverly Hills compound Madonna then turned her sights back stateside with the 2003 purchase of a sprawling French country-style Beverly Hills estate that was the epitome of California cool.
    — Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 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 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of ultimate for Spanish Speakers

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