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

Early voting data from Michigan does not include party affiliation but, according to the University of Florida figures, 55 percent of early voters are women — a sign that is hopeful for Harris but not conclusive. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024

Finally, on early Friday morning, the numbers were conclusive: At 8:50 a.m., Decision Desk HQ became the first organization to call the 2020 presidential race for Joe Biden — a full day before major television networks followed suit. —Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

But this study's findings don't necessarily apply worldwide – other inquiries into the environmental impact of DST have been far less conclusive. —Abby Wilson, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024

The Cab Franc punctuated the evening, so to speak, with conclusive endnotes of silkiness and leather. —Cathy Huyghe, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see conclude

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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