finalist

noun

fi·​nal·​ist ˈfī-nə-list How to pronounce finalist (audio)
Synonyms of finalistnext
: a contestant in a competition finals

Examples of finalist in a Sentence

They interviewed all of the finalists before making a decision. a finalist in the tennis tournament
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.
Davis Steel and The Mecca, who are finalists in the six-team TBT independent bracket, will play their title game Thursday in Las Vegas. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 The system is a finalist in this year’s in-industry Automotive News PACE Pilot awards for emerging auto technology. — New Atlas, 30 July 2026 At the 2023 World Cup, Europe had five out of the eight quarterfinalists, three of the four semifinalists and both finalists, with Spain also winning. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 Founded in 1969, the Booker has a reputation for transforming writers’ careers, with a globally minded judging panel set to reveal finalists in September and the winner in November. — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for finalist

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finalist was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

finalism
finalist
finality
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Finalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalist. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

finalist

noun
fi·​nal·​ist ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce finalist (audio)
: a contestant in the finals of a competition

More from Merriam-Webster on finalist

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for finalist

Nglish: Translation of finalist for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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