decisive

play

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

decisively

adverb

decisiveness

noun

See decisive defined for English-language learners

See decisive defined for kids

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 of decisive from the Web

Back then, Fultz finished with 16 points and scored the decisive points on two foul shots with 26.1 seconds remaining.

— keith pompey, Philly.com, "Markelle Fultz scores 17 points in summer-league debut", 4 July 2017
Exum certainly stood out in the first half with strong drives to the basket and decisive offense.

— terrance harris, The Seattle Times, "Tatum hits go-ahead shot as Celtics edge Fultz, 76ers", 3 July 2017
But back to that potentially-decisive penalty kick in the 74th minute.

— sam mcdowell, kansascity, "Sporting KC keeper Tim Melia stops penalty kick, preserves 1-1 tie with Portland", 1 July 2017
But where would the Indians find the decisive third point to win dual matches?

— john o'malley, Post-Tribune, "Scott Garrison the Post-Tribune 2017 Girls Tennis Coach of the Year", 29 June 2017
The Senate is beginning a potentially decisive week in the GOP’s long-running and arduous attempt to roll back the Affordable Care Act.

— russell berman, The Atlantic, "Senate Bill Would Leave 22 Million More Uninsured, CBO Finds", 26 June 2017
Will Mitch McConnell be able to wield his L.B.J.–esque powers in the upper chamber to deliver a decisive victory for Donald Trump, his wife’s boss?

— jon kelly, The Hive, "Uberghazi, McConnellcaregate, and the House of Trump-Kushner", 23 June 2017
But as Plan Colombia proved, international support at this critical juncture could be the decisive factor in ensuring a turn-around.

— miamiherald, "Exclusive: White House building prosperity to ensure security in Central America", 15 June 2017
Margaret’s (15-2) made quick work of Anoka (15-2) with a decisive 17-4 victory on the opening day of the state tournament, while Wayzata (12-4) earned a 6-5 upset over No. 2 seed Eden Prairie (15-2).

— dane mizutani, Twin Cities, "State boys lacrosse: Mahtomedi nets two goals in final minute to beat Prior Lake", 13 June 2017

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.

First Known Use of decisive

1584

Synonym Discussion of 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

DECISIVE Defined for English Language Learners

decisive

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adjective

Definition of decisive for English Language Learners

: able to make choices quickly and confidently
: causing something to end in a particular way : determining what the result of something will be
: very clear and obvious

DECISIVE Defined for Kids

decisive

play

adjective de·ci·sive \di-ˈsī-siv\

Definition of decisive for Students

1 : causing something to end in a certain way The lawyer offered decisive proof.
2 : unmistakable, unquestionable a decisive victory
3 : firmly determined He began in a decisive manner.