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 Sources indicate that there have been no substantive discussions about a contract extension for McCarthy in Dallas, and the Cowboys have yet to make a definitive statement about their plans for next season. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 However, other studies have shown no benefits—or even negative results—highlighting the need for further research before drawing definitive conclusions. —

Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025 The report was released earlier this year with little fanfare after lawmakers failed to uncover definitive evidence tying Joe Biden to criminal activity or any misconduct that constitutes a high crime or misdemeanor. —

Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Jan. 2025 There is still no definitive answer on what exactly caused the crash, but two black boxes retrieved from the aircraft — the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder — were transferred to a test center Monday morning. —

Beomsu Jo, NBC News, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for definitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive

Adjective

The authoritative report features a comprehensive dataset on every light duty vehicle sold in the United States since 1975and provides sophisticated analysis of the major trends shaping the industry’s environmental outcomes.

Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2024
High-quality backlinks from reputable news sites and industry publications, often due to successful PR efforts, signal to search engines that a brand is trustworthy and authoritative.

Amy Packard Berry, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024