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

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 definitive Was there a definitive turning point to your success? —

Danny Klein, SPIN, 7 Feb. 2025 Berry entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Specialty Tapes business for $443 million, with the transaction completed in February 2025. —

Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 5 Feb. 2025 But if done well—avoiding Sony’s mistakes when its PS5 Pro patches initially made games look worse—boosting backward compatibility could make Switch 2 the definitive home to at least two generations of gaming greatness. —

Matt Kamen, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025 The National Security Advisor also noted that no definitive timeline for the investigation's conclusion has been set. —

John Feng, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for definitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive

Adjective

Vancouver had an authoritative control of shots and scoring chances but fell 3-2 in overtime.

— Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
The Celtics’ regulars then scuffled through the final 12 minutes, keeping the Bulls at arm’s length but not delivering any sort of authoritative knockout blow.

— Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025