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.
Nominated for 8 César Awards, named as the best of 2024 by Cahiers du Cinema, and a finalist for France’s entry to the Academy Awards. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025 The most successful America's Next Top Model contestants 01 of 08 Yaya DaCosta (finalist, cycle 3) Clearly, there was something in the water at the cycle 3 models' New York City apartment. — EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025 Under the law, identifying information about most presidential applicants is not disclosed, though information about finalists for the positions is made public. — Jim Saunders, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025 To select the finalists for this competition, judges tasted nearly 400 wines in a single day. — David Rosoff, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025 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 28 Mar. 2025.

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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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