ultimately

adverb

ul·​ti·​mate·​ly ˈəl-tə-mət-lē How to pronounce ultimately (audio)
Synonyms of ultimately
1
: in the end : fundamentally
the word comes ultimately from Latin
2
: eventually
ultimately, they agreed

Synonyms of ultimately

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Examples of ultimately in a Sentence

The changes ultimately proved to be unnecessary. Ultimately, it's a question of who is more popular.
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.
Researchers are still following participants to establish whether the treatment ultimately extends their lives. — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026 These chemical conflicts ultimately leave current flexible solar modules far behind their rigid counterparts in both efficiency and stability. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026 After going cold while that big lead disappeared, the Hornets ultimately heated back up to beat the Heat, 115-110, at Spectrum Center on Saturday night. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 The career Bowen ultimately carved out for himself is one that most artists never attain. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultimately

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultimately was in 1652

Browse Nearby Words

ultimate line
ultimately
ultimate mortality table
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Cite this Entry

“Ultimately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultimately. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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