conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce conclusive (audio)
-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
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

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 Authorities have not yet found any conclusive evidence in the Cumberland River, FOX affiliate WZTV reported. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024 An ensuing study analyzing interactions between humans and leopard seals over the last few decades, published in March 2006, found no conclusive evidence that human behaviors or activities trigger leopard seal attacks. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a study in 2012 that found nearly zero conclusive instances of aircraft disturbances from cell phone usage. Maxwell Zeff / Gizmodo, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2024 In any case, the jury's verdict was conclusive on the broader question of whether Trump raped Carroll in some way, consistent with Carroll's post-verdict statements about rape, according to Kaplan. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 Some listeners would see The Downward Spiral as a loose concept album about a man falling apart, not unlike Roger Waters’ self-loathing megalomania that fuelled Pink Floyd’s The Wall—another major influence on the album, although Reznor would offer no conclusive ending to his narrative. Adam Steiner, SPIN, 8 Mar. 2024 Nine years later, per The Springfield News Ledger’s archived reporting, the Missouri Highway Patrol Crime Lab issued a warrant for Dwight – as well as another man – seeking DNA evidence allegedly connecting him to the killing, but the tests did not yield conclusive findings. Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024 In any case, the jury's verdict was conclusive on the broader issue of whether Trump raped Carroll in some way, consistent with Carroll's post-verdict statements about rape, according to Kaplan. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 Tan noted that a deficiency of some specific vitamins, including B12, A and E, have been tied to deteriorating cognitive health, though the evidence isn’t conclusive. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conclusive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see conclude

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conclusive was in 1536

Dictionary Entries Near conclusive

Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclusive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conclusive

adjective
con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce conclusive (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

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