1
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
the definitive work on the attack on Pearl Harbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in conclusive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning
a definitive answer that put an immediate end to the discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning
the insurance company's definitive statement on the types of surgical operations that are covered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade is often cited as the definitive hard-boiled private detective
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of definitive
These scenarios should be viewed not as a definitive prediction, but as our best current understanding of what the future is likely to hold.
—
Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The most definitive way to determine whether your soil is low on important nutrients is to get a soil test (see mortonarb.org/soil-test).
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
Either option would be welcome, because each would be definitive.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 25 July 2025
For the first time, the accord sets a definitive price tag for a U.S. college to assuage the Trump administration, which has made no secret of its disdain for many universities, especially the richest and most selective ones.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The most definitive way to determine whether your soil is low on important nutrients is to get a soil test (see mortonarb.org/soil-test).
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
Either option would be welcome, because each would be definitive.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 25 July 2025
For the first time, the accord sets a definitive price tag for a U.S. college to assuage the Trump administration, which has made no secret of its disdain for many universities, especially the richest and most selective ones.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
14 July 2025
-
There’s an authoritative front grille and bumper, and revised rear tail lights.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
According to a comprehensive account by David Makovsky in The New Yorker, the agents extracted conclusive evidence from Othman’s computer: Syria was secretly building a plutonium reactor, Al Kibar, with help from North Korea.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
28 July 2025
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To date, there is no conclusive evidence that tattoos cause skin cancer; however, researchers are investigating whether there could be a link.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
In moments of crisis or strategic recalibration, when explicit engagement may be too risky or politically untenable, conduct becomes the only available channel for credible signaling.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
Some Republicans want to move on punishing Vladimir Putin, with or without the president’s explicit backing.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
The original 1944 Mai Tai is just rum, lime, orange liqueur and almond—tart and bracing, and among the strongest of the classic cocktails.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
26 July 2025
-
The West Hollywood 24/7 drive-in has 80 Tesla charging stations and serves classic American diner food — biscuits and gravy, burgers, fries, tuna melts and milkshakes, to name a few of its menu items.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
26 July 2025
Adjective
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Curiously, the two players who were decisive in last night’s tie, Coll and Bonmati, were the two major issues for Spain in the run-up to and during these Euros.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
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That put a runner in scoring position, so Brandon Nimmo’s hit drove in what proved to be the decisive run in the game.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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This in itself makes a refreshing change from the usual baffling Marvel McGuffin, and even though the outcome is wholly predictable, there’s a definite frisson in the sight of The Herald’s liquid-metal hand trying to snatch Sue’s baby from the womb.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
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The city offers little in the way of culinary variety — a definite downside for food lovers seeking new and exciting options, according to the study.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Several cities in Broward already have exemplary public education and recycling programs underway.—
Linda Thompson Gonzalez,
Sun Sentinel,
20 July 2025
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This is a guy who has been a team captain for a long time, exemplary character, all of that.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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But his bet is clear: That in a fractured media world, personality, tone, and trust matter more than legacy or even scale.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Now it's become clear that electric vehicles won’t take over as quickly as expected.—
Stuart Dyos,
The Tennessean,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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