determinative

adjective

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tive di-ˈtər-mə-ˌnā-tiv 

-ˈtər-mə-nə-

: having power or tendency to determine : tending to fix, settle, or define something

… regard experiments as determinative of the principles from which deductions could be made …

—S. F. Mason

determinative noun

Choose the Right Synonym for determinative

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 determinative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But that factor would not be determinative alone. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

No single factor alone will be determinative of the outcome and because of the different fact patterns that can arise when presented with a debt-equity question, not all of the factors will be relevant to each and every case. —Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

One is determinative, and the architects of that story already know the morality contained in the story, with the objective to lay out a moral system. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025

Seattle Seahawks, 5:15 p.m., Lumen Field Again, the Rams’ pass rush will be determinative against a weak Seattle offensive line. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for determinative

• corroborative
• forgive
• ogive
• outlive
• relive
• germinative
• transformative
• give
• sieve
• resistive

Legal Definition

determinative

adjective

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tive di-ˈtər-mə-ˌnā-tiv, -nə-tiv 

: having the power or tendency to determine

a fact determinative of the issue