1
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
the definitive work on the attack on Pearl Harbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in conclusive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning
a definitive answer that put an immediate end to the discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning
the insurance company's definitive statement on the types of surgical operations that are covered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade is often cited as the definitive hard-boiled private detective
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of definitive
If a company is looking to add on to its portfolio or functions, acquiring the other business sooner rather than later allows for more definitive forecasting—and more stability if the markets vacillate on White House policy pronouncements.
—
Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
There were no final goodbyes, Ulrich said, because nobody felt that this was the definitive end.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
The transactions are subject to the parties’ negotiation of definitive agreements, various approvals including by the NFL team owners, and customary closing conditions, an announcement said.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
From that group, there is no definitive All-Star or All-NBA component.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
There were no final goodbyes, Ulrich said, because nobody felt that this was the definitive end.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
The transactions are subject to the parties’ negotiation of definitive agreements, various approvals including by the NFL team owners, and customary closing conditions, an announcement said.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
From that group, there is no definitive All-Star or All-NBA component.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
And, when those models are grounded in authoritative case law and tax policy information that’s been curated and vetted by attorneys and CPAs, the accuracy and consistency of results is unmatched.—
Laura Clayton McDonnell,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
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Stricter parenting styles include authoritative or authoritarian styles.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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The rest died from sea star wasting disease, providing the conclusive evidence the team needed, Prentice says.—
Andrea Tamayo,
Scientific American,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The White House has so far been reluctant to make explicit promises, with Politico reporting that a top US official told transatlantic military leaders that Washington would play a minimal role in any European plan.—
Semafor Staff,
semafor.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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What to know In the EU and U.S. joint statement posted by both the European Commission and the White House on Aug. 21, there is no explicit mention or protection of spirits, leaving these products unprotected from future trade war attacks from either entity.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The all-day restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch buffets, serving classic bistro cuisine, including pâté de champagne, sole grenobloise, and beef bourguignon.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
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Since classic graham crackers must be made with graham flour, and Pamela’s Honey Grahams are gluten-free, they’re technically classified as graham-style crackers.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Against the Packers, Fields was decisive after taking what the defense gave him, completing 3-of-4 passes and rushing for a touchdown.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
17 Aug. 2025
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Weapons took decisive care of its competition for a second week in a row at the box office.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Partnerships, as always, will be a definite accelerant but a high degree of critical capability should probably be insourced given the winds of change currently sweeping across the landscape of geopolitics.—
Amir Husain,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Nobody 2 is prime with older guys with solid total awareness and definite interest climbing.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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For a dose of European fine dining, and an exemplary award-winning wine list, look no further than The Station 100.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
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His investment in Rudy’s morality lends the exemplary legal saga a heartening, tender air.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Live, her shows feature virtuoso playing and clear, strong country vocal stylings, mixed with a relaxed air that feels akin to jam session-style pickin' parties.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
15 Aug. 2025
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Miami would end up having one player drafted in the seventh (last) round, but the dire need for an overhaul was clear.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.
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