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 Nobody found conclusive proof of the expedition’s fate. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025 In my experience, setting specific objectives and clearly outlining the scope and key questions ensures that every step—from data collection and analysis to comprehensive documentation and conclusive reporting—is accountable and traceable. Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 When a game is defined by its absence of aesthetics, the rare haymakers thrown by either team can feel twice as conclusive. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 May 2025 Perhaps the most conclusive evidence assembled has been the 800 page report and interactive digital platform by experts at Forensic Architecture. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for conclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), this definitive anthem of space and sci-fi will be transmitted towards NASA's Voyager 1 probe by ESA's 35-meter Deep Space Antenna in Cebreros, Spain.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The White Sox snapped their KC losing streak Friday and followed with a convincing 4-1 win on Saturday.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2025
  • For example, the models may produce convincing but incorrect summaries or analyses of sensitive data, creating risks when accuracy is critical for national security decisions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the decisive third set, Sabalenka double-faulted to give Gauff a break for 2-1. Gauff led 3-1 and had break points for 4-1 but Sabalenka held and then broke for 3-all.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The next debate, in which the top-performing candidates face off, may prove to be more decisive.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 June 2025
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.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 8 June 2025
  • From its Greek founding to its Roman take-over, its thousands of meters of stone blocks, column and tiles tell a compelling story of families and empires rising and falling.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Clara Adams, a sophomore at North Salinas High School, crossed the finish line first at last Saturday’s meet and immediately ran to her father, David Adams, to celebrate.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 6 June 2025
  • Musk first announced his support for Trump shortly after the then-candidate was nearly assassinated on stage at a Pennsylvania rally last July.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • The clear, neutral spirit has dominated American liquor sales for decades, far surpassing whiskey, which once enjoyed an unchallenged status as the nation's preferred spirit.
    Time, Time, 4 June 2025
  • Confusion The back-and-forth on updating the disaster plan and a lack of clear strategic guidance have created confusion for FEMA staff, said one source.
    Leah Douglas, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Another determinative variable would be how quickly rival countries will seize the opportunity to attract disillusioned investors with favorable tax regimes and strategic incentives.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Although the regulation explicitly states that no one factor is determinative, the case law tells a somewhat different story.
    Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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