decisive

adjective

de·ci·sive | \ di-ˈsī-siv

Definition of decisive

1 : having the power or quality of deciding The council president cast the decisive vote. a decisive battle

2 : resolute, determined a decisive manner decisive leaders a decisive editor

3 : unmistakable, unquestionable a decisive superiority

Other Words from decisive Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about decisive

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Choose the Right Synonym for decisive

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 decisive in a Sentence

You must be decisive and persistent to succeed in this competitive field. I stood there wondering what to do, but my sister was more decisive and immediately went to the phone. The fight ended with a decisive blow. the decisive battle of the war The poverty of his childhood played a decisive role in his adult life. The meeting is seen as a decisive step toward a peace treaty.

Recent Examples on the Web

That decision could prove difficult, which in the end could be a good thing for Ohio State as long as the final decision is decisive and doesn't leave open the opportunity for flip-flopping when the games matter in September. — Bill Landis, cleveland.com, "Joe Burrow's Ohio State spring game: He's ready to start for the Buckeyes, or anyone else," 14 Apr. 2018 In the end, France ran out 1-0 winners after defender Samuel Umtiti headed past Thibaut Courtois in what proved to be the decisive moment in the match. — SI.com, "Pogba Dedicates Victory to Rescued Thai Football Team After World Cup Semi Final Win Over Belgium," 11 July 2018 The decisive moment here could have happened on the day the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the congressional district map in January, and later imposed new lines. — Thomas Fitzgerald, Philly.com, "Pa. primary election 2018: Voters guide," 11 May 2018 Democratic senators, most of whom will vote against Ms Haspel, may cite this as a decisive moment. — The Economist, "Gina Haspel, alleged water-boarder, could be the next CIA director," 10 May 2018 After Conforto's two-run homer off Strasburg gave the Mets a 4-2 lead, deGrom faced his decisive moment. — Scott Boeck, USA TODAY, "After Jacob deGrom's great escape, Mets beat Nationals, improve to 5-1," 5 Apr. 2018 In the days afterward, Salloi says he was asked about it several times, the sequence considered the decisive moment in Sporting KC’s first victory of 2018. — Sam Mcdowell, kansascity, "How this player has changed the Sporting Kansas City offense | The Kansas City Star," 16 Mar. 2018 Their votes could prove decisive in the upcoming nomination decision, because Republicans hold a slim 51-49 majority in the Senate. — Gregg Re, Fox News, "Kavanaugh nod touches off Supreme Court confirmation battle; Dems warn of 'deaths of countless women'," 10 July 2018 Ultimately, two factors proved decisive in the United’s bid victory: North America’s logistical ease and the profits the bid projected for FIFA. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, "North America to Host 2026 World Cup," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decisive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.