1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal
only a team with a decisive attitude is going to win a state championship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conclusive
having the power to persuade
a lawyer who knows how to construct the kind of decisive argument that sways a jury
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in definitive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning
the decisive finding of the coroner regarding the cause of death
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decisive
However, the ruling socialist regime quickly disqualified her from running, fearing her overwhelming popularity would result in a decisive defeat for Maduro at the polls.
—
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
Around the horn Georgia outlasted Arkansas in the biggest series of the weekend, winning the decisive Game 3, 7-6, on a walk-off home run by catcher Henry Hunter in the bottom of the 12th inning.
—Mitch Light, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Overall, this brief season feels largely transitional, as if its seven episodes were focused on carefully repurposing and maneuvering the plot toward what could be a decisive season 3.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Using this approach, if one looks narrowly at goods rather than services, China’s productive capacity is three times as large as that of the United States—a decisive advantage in military and technological competition—and exceeds that of the next nine countries combined.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
Around the horn Georgia outlasted Arkansas in the biggest series of the weekend, winning the decisive Game 3, 7-6, on a walk-off home run by catcher Henry Hunter in the bottom of the 12th inning.
—Mitch Light, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Overall, this brief season feels largely transitional, as if its seven episodes were focused on carefully repurposing and maneuvering the plot toward what could be a decisive season 3.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Using this approach, if one looks narrowly at goods rather than services, China’s productive capacity is three times as large as that of the United States—a decisive advantage in military and technological competition—and exceeds that of the next nine countries combined.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
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If such a situation arises, China will never accept it and will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
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Garland shared the duo’s resolute ethic while appearing at a Los Angeles panel alongside Mendoza (and D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai, who portrays Mendoza with a convincing stoicism that arose from his inquiries into the concerted memories of the SEAL’s battle mates).—
Fred Schruers,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health concur that there is conclusive evidence that alcohol causes several types of cancer.—
Pranoti Mandrekar,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2025
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Anecdotes from such sources are, of course, far from conclusive.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.—
Azeem Khan,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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While that’s a definitive move, there are also questions about a different Republican House member: Could Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) try to challenge New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D)?—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Nick, now focused on his role as the heir to his grandfather’s empire, and Noah, just beginning to build her own career, are determined to keep their distance, despite their undeniable attraction and the past that connects them.—
Veronica Villafañe,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Is this morally corrupt crowd determined to ignore constitutional obligations rather than ever admit a mistake?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Either way, there do not appear to be many other compelling paths for either Cargill or Naomi to take after WrestleMania 41 that don’t involve each other.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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The Spirit and Pride’s rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most compelling matchups in the league.—
Asli Pelit,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Detroit Tigers are off to a dream start after their fairy tale run to the American League playoffs last season.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Apr. 2025
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Like last week, LaBonta ripped her penalty kick into the top corner.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land, their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
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Recently, Ruff has sounded like a coach who is intent on seeing things through with this Sabres team.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Daniel Farke’s side could not have been more convincing in their final push for the Premier League.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
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Tonge is convincing in his conclusion that the religious orders are a permanent feature of Turkish politics and public life.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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