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Definition of finalist

finalist

/ˈfaɪ.nəl.ɪst/
fi · nal · ist
Adverb:finally
•
Plural:finalists
•
Adjective:final
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finalist Lexical Profile

finalist Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A contestant or team that has reached the final stage of a competition, tournament, or selection process.

Example

"She was selected as one of the five finalists for the national science scholarship."

2

British A university student who is in their final year of study and preparing to take their final degree examinations.

Example

"The library grants extended borrowing privileges to finalists writing their undergraduate dissertations."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for finalist

• Nearby Words

finagler
final
finale
finalist
finality
finalization
finalize

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century from the noun or adjective 'final' (ultimately from Latin 'finalis', meaning 'of or relating to an end', from 'finis', 'end') combined with the agent suffix '-ist'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Finalist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/finalist
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