1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal
only a team with a decisive attitude is going to win a state championship
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conclusive
having the power to persuade
a lawyer who knows how to construct the kind of decisive argument that sways a jury
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in definitive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning
the decisive finding of the coroner regarding the cause of death
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decisive
Indeed, China's state media hailed this month's trade talks in Switzerland as a decisive victory that had fully justified the decision to retaliate rather than immediately renegotiate.
—
John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The second inning would prove to be the decisive stretch for TCU.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
Great eight: Slot picks decisive moments of Liverpool title win
(Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)
Arne Slot is an inscrutable guy.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Manchester Valley girls lacrosse finished off a perfect season with a decisive victory over Glenelg in the Class 2A state championship game.
—Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The second inning would prove to be the decisive stretch for TCU.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
Great eight: Slot picks decisive moments of Liverpool title win
(Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)
Arne Slot is an inscrutable guy.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Manchester Valley girls lacrosse finished off a perfect season with a decisive victory over Glenelg in the Class 2A state championship game.
—Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
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The closest thing that comes to mind is probably Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, although this is Malick by way of Jane Campion and Michael Haneke, shifting between fleeting coming-of-age moments and scenes of resolute darkness and human cruelty.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2025
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It was never sold in the U.S. thanks to the unwavering objections of a resolute reviewer at the FDA named Frances Oldham Kelsey.—
David Armstrong,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
-
Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.—
Charles Lloyd Bovaird II,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), this definitive anthem of space and sci-fi will be transmitted towards NASA's Voyager 1 probe by ESA's 35-meter Deep Space Antenna in Cebreros, Spain.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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The president is determined to get something done here.—
Alexandra Hutzler,
ABC News,
20 May 2025
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The conservative view Many conservatives are determined to repeal or at least delay and dilute most of the clean energy breaks.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Jackie Fields,
People.com,
27 May 2025
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This $150 price drop is a pretty compelling reason to pick one up, whether for yourself or for a grad in your life.—
& John Mihaly,
PC Magazine,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Derrick Groves, convicted last year for second-degree murder, remains on the loose and has led two prosecutors to flee the state for fear of reprisals.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
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If one looks at government yields since the end of last year, a different picture emerges.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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If the players were intent on sticking to their set routines, chairman Steve Parish was the opposite.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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The La Jolla Shores Permit Review Committee returned to meeting online this week, and though its first meeting back on Zoom since the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t go as smoothly as hoped, the board is intent on sticking to the virtual format.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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These messages are far more convincing than the sloppy scams of the past.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2025
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If their impressive durability isn’t convincing enough to add them to your virtual cart, the set’s 6,000-plus five-star ratings should be.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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