Synonym Chooser

How is the word conclusive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of conclusive are decisive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When would decisive be a good substitute for conclusive?

The words decisive and conclusive can be used in similar contexts, but decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When could definitive be used to replace conclusive?

The meanings of definitive and conclusive largely overlap; however, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When might determinative be a better fit than conclusive?

While in some cases nearly identical to conclusive, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of conclusive The Atomic Energy Commission's investigation was not conclusive. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024 No data is conclusive as to what form of garlic might be best for colds. Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024 Researchers also uncovered conclusive evidence of the production of a type of pottery known as coarse red ware. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 Disney only released statistics regarding those series first episodes, though, so no conclusive comparisons can be made about their finales. Selome Hailu, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conclusive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • Jerry said nothing definitive about his head coach returning, but this potential extension of the relationship will come down to the specifics.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Jan. 2025
  • However, other studies have shown no benefits—or even negative results—highlighting the need for further research before drawing definitive conclusions.
    Lindsey DeSoto, RD, LD, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Russia had previously had trouble marketing itself as a convincing investor or exporter of technology, outside of building nuclear plants and supplying arms.
    Alexander Baunov, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2024
  • To his credit, Sam also put up a convincing performance in front of the jury.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • On the decisive sequence, Cates barely won a race to the puck at the red line, chipped it in the air, batted it forward with his glove and then lifted a backhander past Bobrovsky with two Panthers bearing down on him from behind.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Protecting the Future The rise of Red Note demands action—not panic, but thoughtful, decisive measures to safeguard people and democratic principles.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Video Quality: Smooth Footage, With Audio Support The Flip's camera is a strong point, and a compelling enough reason to spend a bit more than DJI's entry-level Neo, which also emphasizes ease of use and features for content creators.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Manson said more and more, people are seeking out aesthetically compelling drinks.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Bass remained silent last week when confronted by a reporter who demanded answers for her decision to visit Africa.
    Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Now, this area is the subject of an investigation as a potential starting point for the Palisades fire, which burned thousands of structures last week.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • The sky was clear Saturday when the Rams went through drills in preparation for their NFC wild-card game against the Minnesota Vikings.
    Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Search is the prize, as should have been pretty clear when Apple went to court to help Google defend its default search spot on a billion iPhones.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Former manufacturing towns are unpredictable and could be the most determinative places in the state.
    Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2024
  • Of course, the frequency of the interactions is not determinative: after all, white slaveholders in the United States constantly interacted with their black slaves.
    Graham K. Brown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Mar. 2015

Thesaurus Entries Near conclusive

Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

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