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 of conclusive

• definitive
• decisive
• last
• clear
• determinative

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

To be clear, there is little credible scholarly evidence that EdTech, in general, improves learning outcomes, and no conclusive evidence that generative AI improves learning outcomes over traditional human teaching. —Dr. Timothy Scott, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026

Key Takeaways Taking vitamin C supplements daily may slightly lower blood pressure, but results are not conclusive. —Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2026

Still, there has been no conclusive evidence of alien life. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

The broader data is less conclusive on mental health benefits, said West, perhaps because participants get anxious about the programs ending, coupled with the rising cost of living. —ABC News, 18 Mar. 2026

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