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 Last month, Capri entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Versace unit to Prada Group. Sean Conlon, CNBC, 28 May 2025 However, there was no definitive evidence to prove Kid Cudi's claims. Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025 But this might be the definitive sign: The old Ritchie has vanished entirely. 12. Will Leitch, Vulture, 27 May 2025 Many studies have looked into whether dogs can actually understand us, but there is no definitive proof as of yet. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
  • Sharing these private details will be challenging, since authoritative Saturn and confusing Neptune will corner the sun over the next few days.
    Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
  • One 2022 study found that children raised with an authoritative parenting style were more likely to achieve academically.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most conclusive evidence assembled has been the 800 page report and interactive digital platform by experts at Forensic Architecture.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • The filmmakers are never conclusive about Enzo’s burgeoning sexuality nor his plans for the future, and that’s clearly by design.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 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
  • This is a classic explanation for why coal mining pays a premium.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 27 May 2025
  • Samuel opted for a classic black suit with a black button-down shirt and black dress shoes.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rookies Willie MacIver and Logan Davidson drove in three of the A’s five runs, with Davidson scoring the tying run during a decisive eighth inning rally before MacIver’s RBI-single scored the go-ahead run.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 26 May 2025
  • What sets a good doctor apart is judgment — the ability to navigate uncertainty, synthesize complex data and make decisive, accurate choices.
    Eric Snoey, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a definite purity-politics flavor to any suggestion that people should take a moral stand and leave a social network, but also a pretty airtight case to be made for boycotting it.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
  • In unaided awareness, total awareness, definite interest, Final Reckoning is ahead of 2023’s Dead Reckoning which did $54.6M over three days in what was a $78.4M five-day total.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • The game’s first power play went Minnesota’s way, and the Frost kept Ottawa hemmed in for much of the two minutes, but managed only one shot on Phillips, as the Charge did exemplary work clogging the net-front and blocking shots.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025
  • The award, sponsored by Chick-Fil-A, recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and character.
    Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • But Martin found the commonality and presented one clear vision.
    Jackie Fields, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • However the trade war ends, the message from American industry is clear: there can be no going back to the pre-Trump U.S.-China economic relationship.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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