Definition of definitenext
1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word definite distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of definite are explicit, express, and specific. While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

When could explicit be used to replace definite?

The meanings of explicit and definite largely overlap; however, explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to definite?

The words express and definite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

When would specific be a good substitute for definite?

While in some cases nearly identical to definite, specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

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 definite There is a definite downside, though. ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026 One definite booking is the Gene Simmons Legends of Rock Expo in Las Vegas in late September where Dave will appear alongside Simmons, Disturbed bassist John Moyer, Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice, Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice, and Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026 Astronomical spring began this past Friday morning, but even before then, there were and still are definite signs of spring in the March evening skies. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026 The France international has definite star potential at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definite
Adjective
  • For example, Vermont legislators have introduced legislation requiring that tech products used in school be registered and certified with the Secretary of State to prove limited data collection and the absence of addictive algorithms.
    Abby McCloskey, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The City of Miami granted Nu Stadium a limited event permit, which is limited to that day, with specific hours, restrictions and additional precautions.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The point is that certain kinds of knowledge have long been passed down tacitly from generation to generation, but our culture, with its wild overreliance on the explicit and the useful, will soon produce people on whom such knowledge will be lost.
    Kristen Roupenian, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • This latter caper was certainly a more explicit violation of law than anything associated with the Rooney Rule.
    Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • These are the absolute best bonds.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • But this team’s elite farm system — perhaps the absolute top in the NHL — will provide exactly that in the years to come.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But the airport has finite capacity and American has been sounding the alarm that its rival had added so many new flights in order to hang onto its gates, there were more flights on the books than O’Hare could handle on the ground.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The window for protecting your heart, bones and mental health during perimenopause is finite.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • All of the tax issues passed with definitive support.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Despite advances in breast imaging, breast biopsy remains the only definitive method to determine whether a suspicious lump is cancerous.
    Quing Zhu, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The filmmaker ultimately sees it as a story about unconditional love.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • To that effect, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The aircraft, assigned to Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, went down within the restricted military training complex north of the city.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The trio then proceeded past a restricted door without authorization, the affidavit shows, and boarded the plane.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The vlogger Jordan Cheyenne, for one, wrecked her sharenting career by accidentally posting footage of herself coaching her son, who was distraught over the family’s sick puppy, to make a specific kind of sad face for YouTube.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
  • With the latest round of supplemental additions (Joe Flacco, Kyle Duggar and Ja’Sir Taylor) signed, here’s my view of the Bengals’ spectrum of needs to wants at specific positions and the reason why.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definite. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on definite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster