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
Fellowes would also like to clear up a misconception about The Grand Finale, which is commonly being referred to as the definitive end of the long-running franchise.
—
Andy Swift, TVLine, 13 Sep. 2025
Finishing off the initial trilogy with a bang, The Bourne Ultimatum offers a definitive conclusion to the storyline the original movie launched.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025
But with Death Valley looming, his work as Florida’s definitive leader is about to be tested by the Tigers.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Still, the only definitive way to answer this question is to return the sample to Earth, where scientists can use advanced laboratory techniques to distinguish biological from nonbiological origins.
—Amy J. Williams, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Andy Swift, TVLine, 13 Sep. 2025
Finishing off the initial trilogy with a bang, The Bourne Ultimatum offers a definitive conclusion to the storyline the original movie launched.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025
But with Death Valley looming, his work as Florida’s definitive leader is about to be tested by the Tigers.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Still, the only definitive way to answer this question is to return the sample to Earth, where scientists can use advanced laboratory techniques to distinguish biological from nonbiological origins.
—Amy J. Williams, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
These risks multiply when multiple agents collaborate, each trusting outputs from others as authoritative inputs.—
Steve Durbin,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
In June, more than 20 authoritative organizations, including the National Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed serious concerns for the health impacts of overhauling the advisory committee.—
Jordan Miller,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The findings were intriguing, but not conclusive.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Trans athletes and their advocates, meanwhile, say there is a lack of consistent, conclusive research to support this claim and argue trans people deserve the right to compete with their peers.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
When will new episodes from the explicit superhuman series be released?—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Prosecutors said members of that group engaged in digital extremism with the explicit goal of dismantling societal order, much in the way the anarchists of the pre-internet era used to operate.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The addition of classic solar notes like benzoin, vanilla orchid, and amber woods ensures the sugary sweetness never becomes too sweet or headache-inducing.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The brand is classic but never boring.—
Libby Page,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In other words, the health of the system is decisive.—
Sandro da Silva,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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But even before Tyler Stephenson’s two-run homer off Robert Suarez broke a tie in the top of the ninth inning and held as the decisive hit in a 4-2 Reds victory, something happened that practically rendered the final score a footnote.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While the San Francisco 49ers started off their 2025 NFL schedule with a 17-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks, there are definite reasons for their fans to be concerned.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
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That’s been valuable, but even then, there’s no definite timeline for how long this lasts.—
Melissa Showers,
Flow Space,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The administration says Patel has been exemplary in his response.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
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The robot showcased exemplary skills with the bat, whacking the ball precisely in a rally of over 100 shots with human-like agility.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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On the other end, a clear brow gel sculpts natural hairs into your preferred position.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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This reliability could speed up the shoe design cycle and reduce costs, while giving developers a clearer picture of real-world performance.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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