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 In this framework, the new recommendations are actively harmful, and not grounded in conclusive research. Dr. Sunny Patel, Time, 2 Oct. 2025 The publication also noted that despite there being no conclusive evidence that Assata was directly to blame for the death of Foerster, New Jersey law stated that everyone involved was equally responsible for the murder. Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 The maker of Tylenol, Kenvue, and organizations like the World Health Organization state there is no conclusive evidence for the claim. Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025 This result is suggestive but not conclusive, as it was based on modeling and not direct measurements. New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • There is no deadline or definitive timetable set for completion of the strategic alternatives review process.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Appearing Wednesday evening on NewsNation, Homan was more definitive.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The increasing accessibility of convincing deepfakes has alarmed some observers.
    Nikita Ostrovsky, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
  • But Bentonville, Arkansas, makes a convincing case for the crown.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Chicago won in its return to the postseason for the first time since 2017 – and advanced for the first time since reaching the Eastern Conference final in 2009 – by virtue of a decisive 3-1 win over Orlando City.
    Avi Creditor, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • New York City mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa tried to land a decisive blow against Zohran Mamdani in the last debate before early voting began.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This week, the dramatic collapse of plans for Barcelona to play a La Liga game against Villarreal in Miami — first reported by The Athletic — added extra spice to the compelling and captivating Clasico.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • 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.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After winning last year’s World Series, the Dodgers financed a roster that cost about $500 million when including the luxury tax bill.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But last week, the company was declared a transnational criminal organization by United States authorities, and Chen was charged in absentia in New York with money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy, along with several associates.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Rockets big man Alperen Şengün was limited to 5-of-18 shooting after a strong season opener in Oklahoma City.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Smith cited a strong support network for transgender students on campus during her appearance.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Access to existing parking lot in question But the situation may not be so clear cut.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Yet much of Mason’s advice is simply about being useful, by delivering facts and opinions in a clear, elegant way.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But that factor would not be determinative alone.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
  • No single factor alone will be determinative of the outcome and because of the different fact patterns that can arise when presented with a debt-equity question, not all of the factors will be relevant to each and every case.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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