A fresh in conclusion synonym can make your last paragraph feel less like a template: to sum up, in summary, overall, all in all and to conclude are the most reliable. Teachers and editors see in conclusion so often that it can read as filler.
The replacements are not all equal. Some promise a summary, some give a final verdict, and some point to a logical result. Choose another word for in conclusion by what your closing paragraph actually does. The transition words hub covers openers and middle linkers too.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
to sum up, in summary, overall, to concludePart of speech
Phrase (sentence adverb)Most formal
to conclude, in sum, taken togetherMost casual
in a nutshell, long story shortBest for speeches
in closing, to wrap upAntonyms
None. To open, use first, to begin with or initially.Watch out
Therefore and thus signal a result, not a summary. Use them only when the last point follows from the earlier ones.
Every in conclusion synonym by job
| Job | Phrases | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Recap the main points | to sum up, in summary, to recap | neutral to formal |
| Signal the last item | to conclude, in closing, finally, lastly | formal |
| Give a final judgment | overall, on balance, all things considered, ultimately | neutral |
| Draw a result | therefore, thus, hence | formal |
| Keep it light | in short, in a nutshell, long story short | casual |
Formal or relaxed: reading the chip strip
The five chips move from the chattiest closer to the most formal. In a nutshell is friendly and suits a blog post or a talk with colleagues. All in all is relaxed but tidy. Overall is neutral and safe almost everywhere. To sum up is clear and slightly formal. To conclude belongs in essays, theses and formal speeches.
In a timed exam, a plain overall or to sum up is better than a fancy phrase you are unsure about.
Final paragraphs, rewritten
- In conclusion, exercise improves mood becomes overall, exercise improves mood.
- In conclusion, the evidence supports the plan becomes taken together, the evidence supports the plan.
- In conclusion, thank you all for coming becomes in closing, thank you all for coming.
- In conclusion, the trip was a mix of highs and lows becomes all in all, the trip was a mix of highs and lows.
- In conclusion, prices rose because supply fell becomes to sum up, prices rose because supply fell.
A student's last paragraph began "In conclusion, social media has pros and cons." The teacher suggested cutting the phrase entirely and starting with the claim: "Social media connects people, but only careful use keeps the costs low." The ending became stronger because it said something new.
You may not need a signpost at all
In short essays the reader can see the last paragraph coming. A strong final sentence that restates your argument in new words often works better than any linking phrase. Try one of these moves instead:
- Answer the question you raised in the first paragraph.
- Point to what should happen next.
- Return to an image or example from the opening.
In long reports and speeches, a signpost still helps, because listeners need to know the end is near.
Phrases to handle with care
Finally and lastly mean the last item in a list. They do not promise a summary, so the paragraph after them should add one more point.
In short should be followed by something short. Using it before a long paragraph confuses the reader.
Basically and long story short sound too casual for most graded work. Save them for talks and messages.
For the noun form, see conclusion synonyms, which covers ending, outcome and verdict.
Picks for each setting
Academic essay: to conclude, taken together, on balance.
Business report: in summary, overall, the key takeaway is.
Speech or presentation: in closing, to wrap up, before I finish.
Email: to recap, in short, so to sum up. A bulleted list of next steps often beats any closer phrase in an email.
Frequently asked questions
How else can an essay's final paragraph begin besides in conclusion?
To sum up, overall and taken together are the safest choices. If your teacher dislikes signposts, open the paragraph with your restated argument instead.
Is in conclusion bad to use?
It is not wrong, just overused. In a short piece the reader already knows the end has arrived, so the phrase adds little. In a long report or talk it can still help.
Which closer sounds most professional?
In summary and to conclude sound polished in reports. In meetings, to wrap up or in closing is more natural when spoken aloud.
Can I start a conclusion with overall?
Yes. Overall works well when your last paragraph gives a final judgment that weighs everything before it.
What does to sum up mean?
It means you are about to restate the main points briefly. Follow it with a short recap, not a new argument.
Is thus a good replacement for in conclusion?
Only when your final point follows logically from what came before. Thus means as a result, so it fits a proof or argument better than a general recap. See thus synonyms.