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Synonym Chooser

How is the word definite distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of definite are explicit, express, and specific. While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

When could explicit be used to replace definite?

The meanings of explicit and definite largely overlap; however, explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to definite?

The words express and definite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

When would specific be a good substitute for definite?

While in some cases nearly identical to definite, specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

Example 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 definite There are definite similarities between Federal and Georgian-style architecture, as Federal can be viewed as an evolution of the latter. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025 Downsides and upsides There are definite downsides, say frequent users. Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 18 May 2025 Seafood Courses The eight courses begin with an amuse-bouche containing definite New York touches including a King Salmon Everything Bagel plus a suggestion of a smash burger but composed of the fatty tuna Otoro, egg yolk gelee and Choux pastry and an A5 Wagyu & Hokkaido Uni Sando. Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 The auto speaks to a definite sense of nostalgia about a time four decades ago but has also been updated to become more user- and driver-friendly. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for definite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definite
Adjective
  • The king, 76, is currently undergoing cancer treatment and has kept a limited schedule, but the decision to travel to Ottawa was widely seen as a symbolic gesture of support for Canada during a time of tension.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025
  • For a limited time, new users can score a 1-year subscription for just $39.99 (reg.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • As with early shōnen-ai, tales that explored explicit physical attraction between girls tended to end in tragedy.
    Vrai Kaiser, Them., 30 May 2025
  • What To Know The tech mogul entered politics last year with the explicit purpose of getting Trump elected for a second term as president, spending more than $75 million in the process.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The company’s long-term target is to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2050, based on a 2022 baseline.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025
  • The layers of fealty, love and the grinding terror of war are absolute perfection.
    Caitlin Starling, People.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The finite player sweats this quarter’s margins; the infinite player engineers a legacy.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • But hydroelectric dams are a finite and increasingly shaky power source.
    Tony Schick, ProPublica, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), this definitive anthem of space and sci-fi will be transmitted towards NASA's Voyager 1 probe by ESA's 35-meter Deep Space Antenna in Cebreros, Spain.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Both Merz and Zelensky criticized the Kremlin’s effective rejection of an unconditional ceasefire proposed by the U.S., which Kyiv accepted.
    Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • Ukraine has agreed to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, proposed by the U.S., but Putin rejected it.
    Jackie Northam, NPR, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their frontcourt of 6-foot-4 Breanna Stewart (who made all eight of her shot attempts in the restricted area) and 6-6 Jonquel Jones remains a matchup nightmare, especially against teams with limited frontcourt depth.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Jovic is due $4.4 million next season in the fourth and final year of his rookie contract before becoming eligible to be a restricted free agent during the 2026 offseason.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • But more commonly it's used to refer to the specific specialized planes — currently Boeing 747-200B models — outfitted with state-of-the-art communications and defense systems, along with lots of other (often highly classified) features.
    Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 21 May 2025
  • The lakes’ specific shade of blue can be attributed to their glaciers; there are 300-plus here, more than anywhere else in the U.S. outside of Alaska.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definite. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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