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
Mora was clean and decisive on the ball against Ecuador before exiting the match in the 59th minute.
—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
1 July 2026
In Australia’s first game, the team beat Türkiye, which had been heavily favored, in a strangely decisive 2–0 victory.
—
Naaman Zhou,
New Yorker,
1 July 2026
Kane then scored the decisive goal into the top corner in the 86th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
—
CBS News,
1 July 2026
This is where America holds a decisive advantage over its competitors.
—
Marc Andersen,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
1 July 2026
In Australia’s first game, the team beat Türkiye, which had been heavily favored, in a strangely decisive 2–0 victory.
—
Naaman Zhou,
New Yorker,
1 July 2026
Kane then scored the decisive goal into the top corner in the 86th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
—
CBS News,
1 July 2026
This is where America holds a decisive advantage over its competitors.
—
Marc Andersen,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
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England’s fierce attacks in the second half were thwarted by a resolute American defense and a series of saves by goalkeeper Frank Borghi.
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Spielberg has been resolute in his beliefs since before Disclosure Day entered production.
Adjective
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That kind of research is less conclusive than clinical trials that follow subjects over time to create new and theoretically more reliable data that can do more to prove cause and effect.
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But, again, is acting out of expediency and the desire to streamline a conclusive end the same as delivering a final season representing the best of The Bear?
Adjective
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There are no definitive statistics about how many students are affected by state bans.
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In 1868, at the age of 29, John Muir arrived in San Francisco via steamship with definitive plans to wander and revel in the natural wonders of California—he’d heard of the Golden State’s geographic riches and wanted to see them for himself.
Adjective
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All etched into the face of a man who spent his presidency fighting to hold together a nation that seemed determined to tear itself apart.
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Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened.
Adjective
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Ellroy’s latest is another compelling entry in his ongoing project.
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The Best Opportunities Look Worst Near Maximum Value Opportunity often feels least attractive when the valuation is most compelling.
Adjective
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The 7-2 Kessler missed most of last season because of a shoulder injury.
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Deivis Ramos hasn’t cried since his daughters were killed in last Wednesday’s earthquakes.
Adjective
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The Kraken will now set their sights elsewhere, intent on continuing to be aggressive in their bid to add.
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Whether a court ever proves intent matters less than the lesson every European grid operator took from it.
Adjective
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Any platform, from Zoom to Microsoft, can be compatible with scammers utilizing deepfakes, fake profiles or convincing backgrounds such as an FBI seal.
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Instead of abstract phishing examples, show employees how much of their own digital footprint is publicly available and how easily fraudsters can turn it into a convincing fake profile, email or message.
Cite this Entry
“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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