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 But a conclusive graviton detection would prove that gravity comes in the form of quantum particles, just like electromagnetism and the other fundamental forces. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024 The official stressed the State Department hasn't reached any decisions or conclusive findings yet about the unit. Barak Ravid, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024 Although this is a common right-wing talking point, there is no conclusive evidence in favor of banning trans women and girls from women’s sports, per a 2021 study. James Factora, Them, 4 Nov. 2024 The conclusive scene was shot in Tom Bombadil’s house — a set that was about to be taken down prior to the end of production. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conclusive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • Looking ahead to 2025, ‘Mocha Mousse’ is what’s being hailed as the definitive color of the moment.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Korok Ray, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The video should appear at once utterly convincing, ensuring that the effect of the transition into the live stage scene that follows feels somehow uncanny.
    Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Words that lurk behind corners or tip-toe around issues are neither credible nor convincing.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The first lesson is the crucial importance of backing diplomacy with decisive military power and accurate intelligence in order to secure an achievable political objective.
    Stuart E. Eizenstat, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024
  • But in the end, Barkley’s fourth-quarter touchdown was the decisive score as the Eagles won their eighth in a row to improve to 10-2 while the Ravens fall to 8-5.
    Ben Morse, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Hedy Phillips, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
  • Your presentation deck must tell a compelling story.
    Andrey Sergeenkov, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Kylian Mbappe was just starting to find his feet with fantastic strikes against Girona and Atalanta in his last two matches.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • In his last fight, held two weeks before his murder, Kolenovic scored a first-round knockout over Ronnie Glover with a right to the head at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, Long Island.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024
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 pair visited Capitol Hill last week to start their sales job for a project that, to be clear, only has teeth if Trump gets behind it.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Hawaii and Alaska became states around 20 years after the amendment was first sent, but all have avoided making their support for the anti-child labor law clear.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
  • That’s one of the reasons that some are arguing today that costs of running credit scores somehow plays a determinative role in driving prices up.
    Paul Weinstein Jr., Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near conclusive

Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

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