Every ultimately synonym falls into one of two camps: words about time, like eventually, in the end and finally, and words about the core of an issue, like fundamentally and essentially. Ultimately quietly does both, so you need to know which you mean before you swap.
This guide shows both camps, phrases that work in a closing paragraph, the placement that sounds most natural and a few common slips. More linking adverbs live on the transition words hub.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
eventually, in the end, fundamentally, finally, on balancePart of speech
Adverb (from the adjective ultimate)Most formal
in the final analysis, fundamentallyMost casual
at the end of the day, in the endBest for conclusions
on balance, all things consideredAntonyms
None in the usual sense. Initially or at first is the closest contrast for the time sense.Watch out
Finally marks the last item in a list. Ultimately marks a result or root cause.
Time sense or root sense
Read your sentence and ask: am I saying what happened at the end, or what matters most underneath? The answer picks your word.
| You mean | Swap with | Example |
|---|---|---|
| After a long process | eventually, in the end, in time | Eventually the team found the bug. |
| At the deepest level | fundamentally, essentially, at heart | At heart, the dispute is about trust. |
| Weighing everything | on balance, all things considered | On balance, the plan is worth the risk. |
| Over years | in the long run, in the long term | In the long run, the cheaper roof costs more. |
Sorting each ultimately synonym by tone
Those five swatches heading this page climb from chatty phrasing to boardroom phrasing. At the end of the day is conversational and often overused in meetings. In the end is plain and friendly. Eventually is neutral and fits anywhere. In the long run adds the idea of years passing. Fundamentally is the most formal and shifts the focus from time to substance.
For a research paper, fundamentally and in the final analysis carry weight. For a quick update to your manager, in the end is enough.
Swaps in essays and emails
- Ultimately, the project failed becomes in the end, the project failed.
- The choice is ultimately yours becomes the choice is yours in the end or the final choice is yours.
- Ultimately, the war was about land becomes fundamentally, the war was about land.
- Prices will ultimately rise becomes prices will eventually rise.
- Ultimately, the benefits outweigh the costs becomes on balance, the benefits outweigh the costs.
An essay conclusion begins: "Ultimately, social media is ultimately a tool." Removing the doubled word and choosing the root sense: "At heart, social media is a tool, and its effect depends on how people use it."
Where to place it in a sentence
Ultimately and most of its swaps sit comfortably at the start, followed by a comma: Eventually, the rain stopped. They can also sit before the main verb: The rain eventually stopped. Longer phrases like when all is said and done work best at the start, because in the middle they slow the reader down.
Avoid stacking two closers, such as finally, ultimately or in conclusion, in the end. One is enough.
Mix-ups to avoid
Finally often signals the last point in a list, so "finally, the plan failed" can read like item four rather than the outcome. Lastly has the same problem. Basically is casual and can sound dismissive in formal writing; essentially is safer. Overall summarizes, while ultimately points to an outcome or root, so check that the sentence really sums up before you use it. The in conclusion synonyms page has more closing phrases.
Words that contrast with ultimately
As a transition word, ultimately has no true antonym. The nearest contrast for the time sense is initially, at first or in the short term. For the root sense, the contrast is on the surface or superficially.
- At first the app seemed simple, but eventually it grew confusing.
- On the surface the two plans look alike; fundamentally they differ.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for ultimately in an essay?
Fundamentally, essentially and in the end are reliable. Use on balance when you are weighing arguments in a conclusion.
Is eventually the same as ultimately?
Only in the time sense. Eventually means after some time, while ultimately can also mean at the most basic level, which eventually cannot.
Is it fine to open a sentence with ultimately?
Yes. Place a comma after it: Ultimately, the decision rests with the board. The same goes for most of its swaps.
Which ultimately swaps sound most formal?
In the final analysis and fundamentally are the most formal. In due course is formal too, but it covers only the time sense.
What is a casual way to say ultimately?
In the end and at the end of the day are casual. The second is common in speech but can feel like a cliche in writing.
Does ultimately have an opposite?
There is no exact antonym. Initially or at first is the closest contrast when ultimately means in the end.