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 Her literary legacy, preserved in archives at Columbia University, offers glimpses into her mind but no definitive answers to her fate. Patti Callahan Henry, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025 The truth is, there is nothing definitive or set right now. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025 In the past, the artist has used Pat McGrath Labs eyeliner to achieve the wing, but at Chanel, Chanel Beauty’s Cream Eyeliner or Precision Eye Definer will do, creating a look full of definitive minimalism. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 14 Mar. 2025 There's an April 2 deadline for definitive paperwork. Dan Primack, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
  • The authoritative analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo from TFI Securities, has also indicated these are the dimensions.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The extreme heat in large parts of the world during 2024 contributed significantly to a jump in global energy demand, an authoritative new report says.
    Andrew Freedman, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet as Gee points out, to date, there are still only suppositions, rather than conclusive evidence about why hominins made the transition to a bipedal lifestyle.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The agency is quickly becoming a target of Elon Musk, who has claimed without conclusive evidence that there's rampant fraud from improper payments to dead people.
    Emily Peck, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some businesses made their Southern roots explicit in their advertising.
    Kendra D. Boyd, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Rather than passing explicit judgment, the film provides a meditation on human dominance and the ethical dilemmas of our interactions with other species.
    Lise Pedersen, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ten looks from her archives will close out the show with a focus on classic glamour.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Whether your aesthetic leans vintage eclectic or organic modern, there's something for everyone with our range of seating options: Choose from colorful velvet, classic leather, and even curved details.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What is decisive in one culture may feel autocratic in another.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Alessia Russo’s double was decisive in setting up a semi against eight-time winners Lyon.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Your provider may order laboratory tests to make a definite diagnosis.
    Laura Schober, Health, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The bottom line: There is still a strong push to regulate tech more strongly in D.C., and some definite throughlines from Biden to Trump on antitrust.
    Ashley Gold, Axios, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nicholas Bear Bade, who are both transgender males, have exemplary service records, the judge wrote.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025
  • These exemplary representatives of Gen Z offer hope for a post-climate future for occasionally dejected Gen-Xers like me.
    Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With the data collected over the years, researchers were able to develop a clearer picture of the sharks’ movements and behavior patterns in the area.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The snap-down closure keeps your phone secure all day while the zippered interior has nine slots for cards, including a clear pocket for your ID.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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