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
Fellowes would also like to clear up a misconception about The Grand Finale, which is commonly being referred to as the definitive end of the long-running franchise.
—
Andy Swift, TVLine, 13 Sep. 2025
Finishing off the initial trilogy with a bang, The Bourne Ultimatum offers a definitive conclusion to the storyline the original movie launched.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025
But with Death Valley looming, his work as Florida’s definitive leader is about to be tested by the Tigers.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Still, the only definitive way to answer this question is to return the sample to Earth, where scientists can use advanced laboratory techniques to distinguish biological from nonbiological origins.
—Amy J. Williams, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Andy Swift, TVLine, 13 Sep. 2025
Finishing off the initial trilogy with a bang, The Bourne Ultimatum offers a definitive conclusion to the storyline the original movie launched.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025
But with Death Valley looming, his work as Florida’s definitive leader is about to be tested by the Tigers.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Still, the only definitive way to answer this question is to return the sample to Earth, where scientists can use advanced laboratory techniques to distinguish biological from nonbiological origins.
—Amy J. Williams, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
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These risks multiply when multiple agents collaborate, each trusting outputs from others as authoritative inputs.—
Steve Durbin,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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In June, more than 20 authoritative organizations, including the National Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed serious concerns for the health impacts of overhauling the advisory committee.—
Jordan Miller,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The team can't yet say anything conclusive yet about the Neptunian desert, its neighboring regions, or planetary evolution in general.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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The center said over the summer that the law enforcement investigation into the abandonment stalled, and a review of surveillance cameras turned up nothing conclusive.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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When will new episodes from the explicit superhuman series be released?—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Prosecutors said members of that group engaged in digital extremism with the explicit goal of dismantling societal order, much in the way the anarchists of the pre-internet era used to operate.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The breakfast menu also offers classic egg white omelets, a grits bowl and a duck-fat poached flank steak and eggs.—
Samantha Husted,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Sep. 2025
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The lineup of festivities includes an exciting schedule of concerts, classic rides, carnival games and over 25 brand-new food items to indulge in, from new takes on fair favorites to trendy items like Dubai chocolate and Mike's Hot Honey.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In a moment of fading political consensus, but accelerating real-world change, decisive leadership matters more than ever.—
Elisabeth Brier,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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The poll found a majority or plurality of voters believe that Hochul works hard, demonstrates honesty, gets things done, provides decisive leadership, and cares about people—four categories where her numbers are up significantly from June 2024 (this is first time 'get things done' was asked).—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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By Wednesday, Kimmel’s bosses at ABC—owned by Disney—decided to yank him without a definite return date.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
18 Sep. 2025
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There is a definite need to give the AI overall guidance about the code generation.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Captain Marc Guehi, who was denied a move to Liverpool in a dramatic summer transfer deadline day U-turn, offers leadership and an exemplary ability to read the game.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
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His death Friday morning just after midnight, silences an exemplary artist who performed weekly until earlier this summer.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Carrie Severino, president of the conservative advocacy group Judicial Crisis Network, told the Washington Examiner that clearer emergency docket orders can help stop issues from returning to the docket, while commending the justices for taking up the FTC firing case.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Sep. 2025
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The suite of changes were announced despite a notable lack of clear scientific evidence to support these moves.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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