conclusive

1 of 2

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

1

: of, relating to, or being a conclusion

2

: putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of irrefutability

The results were not conclusive.

conclusively adverb

conclusiveness noun

conclusiveness

2 of 2

noun

con·​clu·​sive·​ness kən-ˈklü-siv-nəs 

-ziv-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being conclusive

Synonyms of conclusive

Adjective

• definitive
• decisive
• last
• clear
• determinative

Choose the Right Synonym for conclusive

conclusive, decisive, determinative, definitive mean bringing to an end.

conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

Examples of conclusive in a Sentence

Adjective

the archeological discovery was conclusive proof that the Vikings had indeed settled in North America around 1000 A.D.

a conclusive argument for allowing the students to put on a play of their own choosing

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

That kind of research is less conclusive than clinical trials that follow subjects over time to create new and theoretically more reliable data that can do more to prove cause and effect. — Elise M. Brett, EverydayHealth.com, 26 June 2026

But, again, is acting out of expediency and the desire to streamline a conclusive end the same as delivering a final season representing the best of The Bear? — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026

His model depended on judgment, patience and willingness to make a case internally and externally before the data was conclusive. — Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Why people still feel pheromone perfume works Even without conclusive science, many wearers swear by their pheromone fragrance. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see conclude

First Known Use

Adjective

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for conclusive

• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive
• illusive
• inclusive
• intrusive

Kids Definition

conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

: decisive sense 1, convincing

conclusive proof

conclusively adverb

conclusiveness noun

Legal Definition

conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive

1

: of, relating to, or being a conclusion

2

: putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of inability to be refuted

conclusively adverb

conclusiveness noun