determinative

Synonym Chooser

How is the word determinative different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of determinative are conclusive, decisive, and definitive. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

When could conclusive be used to replace determinative?

The words conclusive and determinative can be used in similar contexts, but conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When might decisive be a better fit than determinative?

Although the words decisive and determinative have much in common, decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

Where would definitive be a reasonable alternative to determinative?

While in some cases nearly identical to determinative, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

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 determinative Research continually demonstrates that candidate gender is not a primary predictor of vote choice, instead showing consistently party as a more determinative factor. Kelly Dittmar, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Those vote shares could be small but determinative in an election likely to be decided on the margins. Ashley Lopez, NPR, 25 Sep. 2024 However, the upcoming national elections could be determinative of the bill’s fate. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 Four borough presidents are now also on board, but the actual determinative vote will come later this year with a vote by the City Council. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for determinative 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determinative
Adjective
  • The reality that this prosecution more likely would diminish rather than enhance consumer welfare will not be legally dispositive.
    Alden Abbott, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • And this Court should not be thrust into a race with the Southern District of Mississippi to decide the critical factual issues that are dispositive of both actions.
    Audrey Gibbs, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Two high-profile celebrity marriages and plenty of box office hits later, Moore's place in Hollywood's firmament is indisputable.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Legal precedents and constitutional protections make Harris' eligibility for the presidency indisputable, despite misinformation circulating on social media.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • An exclusive appointment with a sales associate is required to buy one of the bags, and an extensive purchase history with the brand is usually used as a determinate factor.
    Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 15 Aug. 2024
  • Perez was serving a determinate term for assault with a firearm and gang activity, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • But the personal drama between them was incontestable.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
  • But for me, the main question isn’t necessarily the badness of the situation, which is incontestable.
    Sean Illing, Vox, 15 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • With a career spanning 19 full-time seasons and 34 series victories, including a 2017 championship, Truex Jr's success in NASCAR is unquestionable.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Modern football has brought many unquestionable improvements.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • What To Know About Trump’s ‘Mass Deportation’ Push—As Major Cities And Mexico Brace For Surge Cape Town's appeal as a host city is undeniable.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • And the impact that 40 years of the festival has had on our culture in Utah is undeniable.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Hence, the population loss was bandied about Red America as irrefutable evidence of the blue state’s social collapse, its moral rot and the failings of its left-leaning political leadership.
    Mark Z. Barabak, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025
  • That seems like an obvious assertion and nearly irrefutable.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The DeSantis announcement is an indubitable win for Musk.
    Scott Nover, Quartz, 24 May 2023
  • There is all of a sudden one Way of Knowing which presents us with indubitable truths.
    Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2010

Thesaurus Entries Near determinative

Cite this Entry

“Determinative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determinative. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on determinative

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