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

Public health officials say there is no conclusive scientific evidence that supports using cat’s claw for any health purposes. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Although the possibility that better sleep could reduce opioid use after surgery is promising, Amaya cautioned that the findings are not conclusive. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Sensationalist books, television specials, true-crime documentaries, podcasts, and talk shows have judged and condemned him without conclusive evidence, without a trial, and without an opportunity to defend himself. — Gustavo Egusquiza, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

The potential of such a model would be to generate thresholds of probability, not provide conclusive answers. — Karen Chernick, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

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