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.
The huge diversity in artistic opportunity is clearly visible in the finalists for 2026’s Ocean Photographer of the Year award. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 On Thursday morning, co-presenters Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain announced the finalists for this year’s contest. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026 As a four-time individual nominee and two-time finalist for the Hall, Washington has been left disappointed before. — Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026 The opportunity to propose names has passed, but voting is now underway on one of four finalists that could become the official title of one spaceship in the company's fleet. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 Aug. 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 17 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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