1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal
only a team with a decisive attitude is going to win a state championship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conclusive
having the power to persuade
a lawyer who knows how to construct the kind of decisive argument that sways a jury
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in definitive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning
the decisive finding of the coroner regarding the cause of death
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decisive
In Scotland, Labor's difficulties were laid bare as John Swinney secured a decisive victory, dealing a further blow to Starmer’s authority.
—
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Elsewhere, West Ham’s 3-0 loss to Brentford was a decisive result in their chances of survival.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 11 May 2026
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
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
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Elsewhere, West Ham’s 3-0 loss to Brentford was a decisive result in their chances of survival.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 11 May 2026
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
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
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
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Images of the shelter slipped the Russian choke hold to appear on the world’s screens—intact and unbowed amid the rubble, like a temple time-transported from some more ancient siege, the faces of those within drained but resolute.—
James Verini,
The Atlantic,
12 May 2026
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Many have affirmed their resolute support for Stewart despite any allegations.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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This finale was written before the cancellation of Gen V, so a conclusive ending was not written for them, hence the future storylines this will set up.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
No Americans have had a conclusive positive test result.—
Erika Edwards,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
And talks between Washington and Tehran have failed to reach a diplomatic agreement to bring a definitive end to the conflict.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Deuce gave a definitive answer in Game 4, making the Knicks even more dangerous in the Eastern Conference finals.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
The newsroom is split between those determined to suppress the truth and those who insist on publishing it.—
Emiliano de Pablos,
Variety,
16 May 2026
-
At the time, the mother told officers Noel was staying with family in Mexico, which Everman’s then-Police Chief Craig Spencer has said was later determined to be untrue.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
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An hour north of New York City, the Hudson Valley has turned into one of the country’s most compelling beer regions with farms, river towns, mountain backdrops, and a concentration of serious breweries that keeps growing.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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In a rematch of last year’s championship, Jefferson defeated Oconee County 4-3 on penalty kicks to win the girls 3A state title Tuesday at Duluth High School.—
Sarah Spencer,
AJC.com,
13 May 2026
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Two losses in last month’s three league matches gave the impression of momentum slipping, and even if performances improved towards the end of April, something different was needed to shift the energy towards the club.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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The result is a fiery and impassioned offering that finds the veteran fully engaged and intent on proving no chinks have been left in his armor despite his tenuous back-and-forth with his Compton counterpart.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
15 May 2026
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The defendants’ attorneys contend that the government doesn’t have the evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was intent to join a criminal racketeering conspiracy.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary and one of Labour’s more convincing politicians, was one of several ministers who asked the Prime Minister to set a timetable for his departure.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
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The recreations were so convincing that visitors from Tennessee believed the film had shot on location.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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