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Synonym Chooser

How is the word decisive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of decisive are conclusive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When is conclusive a more appropriate choice than decisive?

In some situations, the words conclusive and decisive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When can definitive be used instead of decisive?

The words definitive and decisive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When is it sensible to use determinative instead of decisive?

The meanings of determinative and decisive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of decisive And the winner proved the decisive highlight among readers, with 58% of the vote. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 2 Aug. 2025 Ukraine used the Starlink network to facilitate battlefield communications and power fighter and reconnaissance drones, providing a decisive ground-game advantage. Erika Kinetz, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025 In what amounted to the decisive stage of the race, Pogačar attacked at the base of the Hautacam, achieving almost instant separation from Vingegaard. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 July 2025 Curiously, the two players who were decisive in last night’s tie, Coll and Bonmati, were the two major issues for Spain in the run-up to and during these Euros. Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
  • Heat comparison: With Young a year from potential free agency, the Hawks were resolute in augmenting a roster that lost at home to Miami in the play-in.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
  • His face was resolute across the table in a room full of reporters.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • But to date, there is no conclusive evidence that RL endows LLMs with reasoning capabilities that generalize beyond easily verifiable domains like math and coding.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • Typically, dermatologists aren’t huge fans of using supplements to boost collagen stores, because there’s no conclusive evidence to show that collagen peptides actually make their way to the skin.
    Hannah Coates, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There were no final goodbyes, Ulrich said, because nobody felt that this was the definitive end.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Rick Krakow said there is not one definitive explanation.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Seven months in, the administration is determined to keep that pledge.
    Matt Alderton, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Wendy is determined to save her brother, and leads her synth group to his location on the ship by magically controlling computer screens.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The challenge was to come up with something that would give him the opportunity to do something that was unique and compelling and different than other people had done.
    Gary Graff, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Wednesday Season 2, Part 1 knocks it out of the park thanks to its compelling mystery, dark sense of humor and a stellar cast led by Jenna Ortega.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Tyler Rogers — one of the marquee relievers the Mets acquired before last week’s trade deadline — surrendered three hits in the seventh inning, including a two-out, go-ahead RBI single to Steven Kwan that proved to be the game-winner.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Anderson was manager of Lake Mary’s Little League World Series title team last year.
    Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Josh Brolin plays a grieving father who is intent on finding his missing child, and is suspicious that the young teacher had something to do with it.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2025
  • For now, the franchise’s ownership group seems intent on investing in community rugby.
    Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Still need convincing that this should be your next vacation destination?
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Ronny Henriquez, Tyler Phillips and Calvin Faucher came shut down Aaron Boone’s offense in a convincing and lifeless fashion.
    James Oconnell, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decisive

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