DEFINITIVE Synonyms: 190 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

definitive

adjective

di-ˈfi-nə-tiv

Definition of definitive next

as in authoritative

being the most accurate and apparently thorough the definitive work on the attack on Pearl Harbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 The democratic dreams that fueled the 2011 Arab Spring would still remain distant—but Iran’s revolutionary project for the region would at last come to a definitive end. —

Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024 The foundation cautioned against sharing definitive numbers about how many graves were found, as not all possible sites may turn out to be graves, and there could be more yet to be identified. —

Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Dec. 2024 But the inability of the federal government to provide definitive explanations and solutions has generated annoyance, suspicion, and calls for action. —

Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Dec. 2024 Plus, no matter his attachment to this particular stage of his life, any era that comes to a close invites broader concerns about more definitive goodbyes. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for definitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive

Adjective

Your 1987 portrayal of Titus Andronicus for the Royal Shakespeare Company was a sensation and has been called the authoritative interpretation of the role.

Andrew Goldman, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024
Huang’s note is a vindication by an authoritative third party of CEO Pedro Martinez’s refusal to take out a short-term, high-interest loan that the mayor, a close union ally, proposed in July.

Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, 14 Dec. 2024