Definition of conclusivenext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of conclusive are decisive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When would decisive be a good substitute for conclusive?

The words decisive and conclusive can be used in similar contexts, but decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When could definitive be used to replace conclusive?

The meanings of definitive and conclusive largely overlap; however, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When might determinative be a better fit than conclusive?

While in some cases nearly identical to conclusive, 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 conclusive While the evidence is not yet conclusive, what is clear is that appeasement has yielded little protection against Europe’s own illiberal drift. Matthias Matthijs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2025 The groups note that standardized test scores alone should not be conclusive. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 10 Dec. 2025 Against the idea that modern incarceration is a wholly novel phenomenon, the evidence from antiquity proves to be both abundant and conclusive. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025 Some of the early results are expected to be announced within minutes of the polls closing, with a more conclusive result expected by the end of the evening. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • The testing process is built for speed and discretion, delivering a definitive answer in approximately two minutes.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Without any definitive answers just yet, there's been lots of speculation in the local press, including questions about whether the couple were murdered or died by suicide.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Gators found their offensive flow and applied the defensive clamps against the high-scoring Bulldogs during a convincing and pivotal 92-77 win Tuesday night at the O’Connell Center.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
  • After pulling away in the second half, Old Rochester continued building league momentum with a convincing 54-32 victory.
    Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Choose decisive steps over a confusing kerfuffle!
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Tesla shareholders delivered another decisive message through their vote on Tesla’s Texas-style 3% ownership threshold for filing derivative lawsuits.
    Shane Goodwin, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Their work, published in Nano-Micro Letters, presents a compelling strategy for bridging laboratory materials innovation and real-world battery deployment.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Four Democratic-Farm-Labor Party lawmakers who chair state Senate education committees cited Minneapolis Public Schools canceling classes and extracurricular activities last week after federal agents reportedly clashed with students and staff during Roosevelt High School’s dismissal on Wednesday.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
  • While Constantine died before the filming of 2023’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, the plot of the movie paid tribute to the actor, revolving around a family trip to Greece intended to honor his character’s last wish.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Also at tight end, Jackson Verdugo, who had a strong freshman season, is due back, and FIU signed incoming freshmen Davis Brown and Ayden Passley.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Nicole says Hannah did get better and stronger — strong enough that Hannah's neurologist told her the whole story.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Things became clearer on December 28, when Dreame released teaser images and confirmed that its first car would debut at CES 2026.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Iwobi’s movement drags Ladislav Krejci wider, increasing the space between the lines and creating a clear passing angle for Calvin Bassey.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Between 1995 and 2010, CCM and its presidential candidates could win determinative vote shares while minimizing costly repression and fraud.
    Yonatan Morse, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
  • But, ultimately, the president would not play a determinative role in interest rate decisions.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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