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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

She especially didn’t expect to wind up pitching New York City’s government on litter mitigation and revamping the bridge’s appearance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

So how does a house that was merely for exterior shots wind up as a landmark?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

I wind up back on the ground, landing hard on my butt.

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass

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