decisive

adjective

de·​ci·​sive di-ˈsī-siv 

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

Synonyms of decisive

• resolute
• determined
• intent
• positive
• confident

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

The visitors won Thursday’s series opener 2-1, the decisive hit coming in the seventh inning when a flare to right field bounced in front of and then past right fielder Nick Castellanos’ attempt at a sliding catch. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026

These results were championed as the country’s official victory over the virus and a decisive win for those advocating for digital vaccination credential systems. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

Limbo also marks a decisive break from the arch stylings of Cook and his cronies in favor of sounds that feel really good in your chest. —Walden Green, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026

The decision gives Republicans a decisive edge in the redistricting wars and could nullify Democrats’ advantage going into the 2026 midterm elections. —Justin Papp, CNBC, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French decisif, borrowed from Medieval Latin dēcīsīvus, from Latin dēcīsus, past participle of dēcīdere "to cut off, cut out, mark by cutting, settle, choose as a course of action" + -īvus -ive — more at decide

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing decisive

• decisive action
• decisive/deciding/determining factor

Rhymes for decisive

• divisive
• incisive
• indecisive

Kids Definition

decisive

adjective

de·​ci·​sive di-ˈsī-siv 

1

: having the power to decide

the decisive vote

2

: unmistakable, unquestionable

a decisive victory

3

: marked by or showing decision

a decisive manner

decisively adverb

decisiveness noun