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Definitions

wind up

VERB
finish
Synonyms
STRONGEST
close complete conclude do end up finish up settle wrap up
WEAK
be through with bring to a close clean up close down come to the end determine end finalize halt liquidate terminate tie up loose ends
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin introduce neglect start unsettle
WEAK
commence open
NOUN
conclusion
Synonyms
STRONG
breakup closing conclusion consummation denouement finale finish stopping point terminus windup

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Those worries aren’t going away overnight, and credit woes could wind up hampering economic growth.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The retail pullback may reflect a broader uncertainty about the war’s escalation and a possible economic slowdown if the conflict doesn’t wind up soon.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

They drink wine, they joke about the hidden spy bugs in their apartments and they wonder openly how they’ll know when it’s time to flee their beloved homeland before they wind up in prison.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Prices rose sharply in Asia as well, where most LNG shipments from the Persian Gulf wind up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

So Call was surprised when, on a Tuesday, I proposed that we wind up the crabbing an hour early and pay a visit to the Captain.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.