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
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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
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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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of definitive
Ronan has the kind of face that always seems to be seeking the answer to a question; nothing is finite or definitive with her.
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Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024
Florida has historically been considered the definitive swing state, and was won by Obama twice in 2008 and 2012.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
What ensued was a definitive lesson in why this museum still stands firmly on its own two feet.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 30 Oct. 2024
While the film gives Jamie a definitive ending, the book leaves things more open to interpretation.
—Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for definitive 
Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024
Florida has historically been considered the definitive swing state, and was won by Obama twice in 2008 and 2012.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
What ensued was a definitive lesson in why this museum still stands firmly on its own two feet.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 30 Oct. 2024
While the film gives Jamie a definitive ending, the book leaves things more open to interpretation.
—Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
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YouTube said the platform has a multilayered approach to connect users with authoritative news and information while ensuring a variety of viewpoints are represented.Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
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The partnerships allow OpenAI to include more authoritative, up-to-date information within its products.Shirin Ghaffary, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Early voting data from Michigan does not include party affiliation but, according to the University of Florida figures, 55 percent of early voters are women — a sign that is hopeful for Harris but not conclusive.Niall Stanage, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024
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Finally, on early Friday morning, the numbers were conclusive: At 8:50 a.m., Decision Desk HQ became the first organization to call the 2020 presidential race for Joe Biden — a full day before major television networks followed suit.Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Wiley has long been explicit about the erotic aspects of his work and the often fine line that separates admiration and exploitation.Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
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The reason is clear: most Americans understand that Israel is fighting for its very survival against terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, whose explicit mission is to annihilate Israel.Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Disney chefs sprinkled candy cane bits and pumped peppermint into the park’s classic hot chocolate.Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
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As Claude leaves a weirdly nonspecific voicemail for Valentina in the next room (another classic blunder), Roselyn scoops some cyanide-containing silver polish out of its container on his desk and stirs it briskly into his tea.Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The value of assets tied to Donald Trump — and those likely to benefit under his administration — surged in the wake of his decisive electoral victory on Tuesday.Rob Wile, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
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If the polls are accurate, then just a relatively small handful of votes could play a decisive role in who emerges victorious.Joe Edwards, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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There is a definite move happening toward using SAR satellites, said Juliana Suess, an associate with the German Institute for International and Security Affairs think tank based in Berlin.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
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Eastwood’s story runs on the bedrock of the unimpeachable, confident that there is a definite truth to be discovered about an event such as the killing of Kendall and that only malevolence or incompetence could prevent its discovery.Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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From Target-Centric Leader To Visionary Storyteller Leaders who are elevated to the C-suite often have a record of exemplary performance, as measured by targets or metrics achieved.S. Venkatesh, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
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Freeman’s joy and pain, along with LeBron’s savviness and protectiveness of his own children, are exemplary.Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Currently nine points clear behind FC Barcelona in La Liga after being thrashed 4-0 in El Clasico, defending champions Madrid have also lost twice on the continent thus far this term.Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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Harris' clearest path to victory in November would be to win the three blue wall battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, barring any shock results elsewhere.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near definitive
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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