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

After leading his party to a decisive victory five years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dwarfed all competitors in India’s political arena. — Krishna Pokharel, WSJ, "Get Modi: ‘Blood Rivals’ Bury the Hatchet to Beat India’s Leader," 5 Mar. 2019 In May 1905 the Donskoi took part in the famous Battle of Tsushima, which was a decisive victory for Japan. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Russian Shipwreck Allegedly Carrying $130 Billion in Gold Has Been Rediscovered," 18 July 2018 Make those pros and cons list and remember to be more decisive. — Fresh U, Teen Vogue, "I Applied to 25 Colleges — Here's What I Learned," 25 Sep. 2018 Hall believes Russia’s campaign was decisive for three main reasons. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "The case that Russia is winning the cyberwar," 25 Sep. 2018 Along with Ivan Rakitic, who plies his trade with Madrid rival Barcelona, Modric’s ability to impose his will on the game will potentially be decisive for Croatia. — Hayden Bird, BostonGlobe.com, "What to know about the World Cup title match," 14 July 2018 Milwaukee fans would like nothing more than their favorite team’s postseason run to be as decisive as Monday night’s final 18 minutes. — Josh Robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Bucks' second-half surge drops Magic 102-86," 10 Apr. 2018 Take the at-bats that immediately preceded the decisive runs in the fifth inning, for instance. — Brian Costa, WSJ, "Red Sox Notch Game 2 World Series Win Over Dodgers," 25 Oct. 2018 Steven Souza’s groundball off reliever Adam Cimber would score what stood as the decisive run in a 3-1 Diamondbacks victory. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Lucchesi gets hit, run, loss in Diamondbacks' 3-1 win over Padres," 6 July 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.