conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

1

: of, relating to, or being a conclusion

2

: putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of irrefutability

The results were not conclusive.

conclusively adverb

conclusiveness noun

Synonyms

• absolute
• clear
• deciding
• decisive
• definitive
• last

Choose the Right Synonym for conclusive

conclusive, decisive, determinative, definitive mean bringing to an end.

conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

Examples of conclusive in a Sentence

the archeological discovery was conclusive proof that the Vikings had indeed settled in North America around 1000 A.D.

a conclusive argument for allowing the students to put on a play of their own choosing

Recent Examples on the Web

While another research review published this year in Nutrients says the research for athletic benefits in women isn’t yet conclusive, there are also reasons to suspect women may benefit from creatine at least as much as men, if not more, both inside and outside the gym, Dr. Smith-Ryan says. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 May 2025

Though home blood pressure monitors are effective, a healthcare provider can provide more accurate and conclusive results. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025

The results were conclusive: the substance killed pain. —Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025

Federal investigators have yet to issue any conclusive findings on what went wrong or if any of those airport factors contributed to the crash — an initial assessment is due within 30 days, and a final report generally takes one to two years to complete. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see conclude

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for conclusive

• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive
• illusive
• inclusive
• intrusive

Kids Definition

conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

: decisive sense 1, convincing

conclusive proof

conclusively adverb

conclusiveness noun

Legal Definition

conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive

1

: of, relating to, or being a conclusion

2

: putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of inability to be refuted

conclusively adverb

conclusiveness noun