1
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough the definitive work on the attack on Pearl Harbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of definitive are conclusive, decisive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When is it sensible to use conclusive instead of definitive?

In some situations, the words conclusive and definitive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When is decisive a more appropriate choice than definitive?

The synonyms decisive and definitive are sometimes interchangeable, but decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When can determinative be used instead of definitive?

The meanings of determinative and definitive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

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 definitive Whilst there have been some production delays due to the strikes, filming has reportedly wrapped, so a more definitive release date may not be far off. Grace Dean, Space.com, 21 Mar. 2025 Close’s grandiose version of Cruella de Vil remains definitive, but the rest of this dopey family comedy is a mix of strained slapstick and unearned sentiment. Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025 But even after it’s been covered by everyone from Joni Mitchell and Jefferson Airplane to Kelly Clarkson, the Youngbloods’ version, with its snuggly harmonies and spiraling guitar, remains definitive, the most reassuring of them all. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025 Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Javier Bastardo, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
  • Leadership is often associated with grand speeches, authoritative presence and a commanding voice.
    Mohammad Bahareth, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • There are lots of ways to be an authoritative parent, which can leave moms and dads (but mostly moms) feeling rudderless.
    Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Anecdotes from such sources are, of course, far from conclusive.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Their strong sense of preparedness and diligence often brings greater discipline to board discussions, prompting more thoughtful questions and more explicit expectations.
    Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Without supervision or regulation, kids can easily stumble upon explicit material, including violent and extremist content, that can lead to mental distress, desensitization and a warped perception of the world around them.
    Richard Wistocki, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When the restaurant originally opened, the menu was largely classic Bordeaux-style food.
    Valentina Di Donato, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • While those sound like classic ingredients to some, other sweets enthusiasts claim raisins have no place in the springtime treat.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Following his loss of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40, a clean and decisive victory in this non-title main event would be crucial in reestablishing Reigns' aura of invincibility.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 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
Adjective
  • Call me crazy, but there’s a definite pulp feel to all the prison scenes and sets, too.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • For everything else, pause until there is more clarity – Effective leaders are realistic about their ability to set a definite plan in the early days of tariffs.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The total judgment amount includes $11 million for mental anguish sustained in the past, $20 million for the mental anguish that the victim might sustain in the future, and $93 million for exemplary damages, court records show.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Zelle’s record on rooting out fraud is exemplary.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The email should be approximately 250 words, maintain a confident but not technical tone, emphasize the business benefits rather than technical specifications, and include a clear call to action for scheduling a demo.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Netanyahu’s office made clear in its Thursday statements that its position has not budged.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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