conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce conclusive (audio)
-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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The series had a rather shocking ending, and in some ways, seemed pretty conclusive. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Those observations proved less conclusive than had been hoped, but during the rest of the voyage, Cook was able to map the coastland of New Zealand before sailing west to the southeastern coast of Australia—the first record of Europeans on the continent's Eastern coastline. ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025 There’s little conclusive evidence yet that creatine boosts cognition. Staff Author Published, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025 While some research in animals and human cells suggests glyphosate may cause DNA damage and atrazine could mess with hormones, there isn’t currently any conclusive evidence of harm in people based on how we’re being exposed (including in relation to cumulative risk). Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for conclusive

Word History

Etymology

see conclude

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conclusive was in 1536

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclusive. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

conclusive

adjective
con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce conclusive (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!