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

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 determinative For a determinative level of fraud to occur, thousands of election workers, our neighbors, would need to be complicit and go undetected. Scott Peters, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Nov. 2024 Favorability isn't determinative. Gary Langer, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2024 In light of these myriad factors — several of which are outcome determinative in my view — California is the very last place where a sweepstakes casino operator should want to test the legality of its business model in court. Daniel Wallach, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Writing for the majority, Sotomayor said the jury's assessment of Sneed's credibility was determinative. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determinative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determinative
Adjective
  • The simple fact that American technology companies are some of the largest companies in the world and thus will necessarily see larger levies is not dispositive of some sort of anti-American bias.
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • That dispositive plan may have comported with husband’s wishes.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • One thing is indisputable: while America’s tastes may mature, diversify, and occasionally pivot, its craving for indulgent, convenient comfort food like chicken sandwiches is deeply embedded in the cultural and culinary fabric of the nation.
    Gary Occhiogrosso, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The politicization of our military is now indisputable.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Then space your determinate tomatoes out by 18 to 24 inches per plant and your indeterminate tomato plants 18 inches apart.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Then space your determinate tomatoes out by 18 to 24 inches per plant and your indeterminate tomato plants 18 inches apart.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
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
  • There was was no wind-gauge for that meet at Lake Minneola to certify the time but his speed is unquestionable.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025
  • No matter where people stand on Schulz’s point of view on comedy, his mark on pop culture with his punch lines has become unquestionable.
    Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The turn's impact on WrestleMania is undeniable, transforming their match dynamic entirely.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The evidence is undeniable: pollution due to fashion is no longer hidden.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While bottles will be popped and VIPs will battle their way once again to the front of the line at the legendary hotel, here’s irrefutable evidence that L.A.’s storied club kids have grown up: The second day of Beacher Fest 2025 is a wellness summit.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Still, these two clichés speak an irrefutable truth.
    Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Lush greenery in wicker creates a cottage feel Wicker retaining walls add indubitable charm.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The DeSantis announcement is an indubitable win for Musk.
    Scott Nover, Quartz, 24 May 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Determinative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determinative. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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