conclusive

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

Synonyms of conclusive

• 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

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

Before his trip, Hoffman uncovered reports from the Dutch government, which alluded to the possibility that Rockefeller had been killed, but there was a lack of conclusive evidence. —Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Thinking of this as just chapter one of a longer arc threatens to cheapen it a little in retrospect, especially if the finale is conclusive and satisfying. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025

Writers—those power-hungry beasts—long to write the conclusive novel, the history of everything, the final work, a book so comprehensive and absolute that the world will stand still and history cease to be. —Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025

However, there is no conclusive evidence to support that claim. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see conclude

First Known Use

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