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 Trans athletes and advocates, in turn, point to a lack of consistent, conclusive research to support this claim and the wide-reaching bans it’s led to. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 29 May 2025 The forensic evidence was so conclusive that the case settled for a fraction of the initial demand, saving millions in potential damages. Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 So Professor Thackeray, being a smart and thorough scientist, decided to obtain conclusive proof. Sam Kelly july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025 The relationship status of Mi-rae and Se-jin is less conclusive at the end of Our Unwritten Seoul. Kayti Burt, Time, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for conclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 29 July 2025
  • According to the biography, Paltrow advised her team during moments of controversy that the brand’s goal was to spark thought-provoking conversations, not to offer definitive answers.
    Michaela Zee, Variety, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • His impersonation is so convincing that Lu and Shin are initially fooled.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • How Companies Are Using AI One of the most convincing arguments for AI is its capacity to improve efficiency.
    Carmen Skipworth, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Curiously, the two players who were decisive in last night’s tie, Coll and Bonmati, were the two major issues for Spain in the run-up to and during these Euros.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • That put a runner in scoring position, so Brandon Nimmo’s hit drove in what proved to be the decisive run in the game.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The 993’s compelling performance is owed in part to a responsive pedal box whose throttle, brake, and clutch work in perfect harmony with responsive steering and the car’s relatively light weight.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 25 July 2025
  • The Sirens is a compelling mix of contemporary, historical, and speculative fiction told through multiple points of view, mysterious dreams, and magical revelations.
    Kalie Cassidy July 25, Literary Hub, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The high school's five home games were played away last fall while the new bleachers remained under construction.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
  • After opening its 560,000-square-foot campus overlooking Lady Bird Lake in 2018, the software giant last year announced plans to relocate to Nashville's East Bank by 2031.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said right tackle Austin Jackson should be back for the start of the regular season and made clear that cornerback Cam Smith must be on the field to compete.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2025
  • The clear material is durable and thick for long-term use, and it’s paired with colorful trim and a matching strap in blue, red, or black.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But as independents ourselves, the two of us can’t participate despite the fact that primaries are often more determinative of who gets elected than the November general election.
    Dr. Jessie Fields, New York Daily News, 1 June 2025
  • To make market size less determinative and chaos more predictable.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

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