Examples of finite in a Sentence
Gabriel San Román, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2023
Hmmm… The introduction to Parker’s piece reads: Early in his tenure as Unilever’s CEO, Paul Polman started thinking about the implications of infinite capitalism on a finite planet.
—Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 17 Dec. 2023
A good deal offers finite returns, while a good partner can provide near-infinite chances to create value.
—Dr. Eric George, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023
Consider who or what in your world are Giving Trees — seemingly abundant resources that, on second thought, are finite and dwindling.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023
Likewise, scientists can spend their finite research time in a museum waiting to get a single bone down from a shelf with a forklift or get straight to the business of studying the anatomy of a more sensibly sized animal.
—Michael D. D'emic, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2023
The greater a telescope's light-gathering capacity, the deeper its view across the universe—and deeper and deeper views across space and (because the speed of light is finite) time are what a search for the expansion rate of the universe requires.
—Richard Panek, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2023
Political capital is finite, and Washington should invest it in ways that strengthen these partnerships.
—Daniel H. Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2023
Because modular number systems are finite, perfect squares are more common.
—Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'finite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English, borrowed from Latin fīnītus "specific, definite, having bounds or limits," from past participle of fīnīre "to mark out the boundaries, limit, put an end to, bring to a close" — more at finish entry 1
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing finite
Dictionary Entries Near finite
Cite this Entry
“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 9 Jan. 2024.
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Kids Definition
finite
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on finite
Nglish: Translation of finite for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of finite for Arabic Speakers
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