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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of decisive are conclusive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When is conclusive a more appropriate choice than decisive?

In some situations, the words conclusive and decisive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When can definitive be used instead of decisive?

The words definitive and decisive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When is it sensible to use determinative instead of decisive?

The meanings of determinative and decisive largely overlap; however, 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 decisive The results were decisive: Iran’s nuclear program was significantly disrupted, key elements of its air defense network were shattered, and Tehran’s military leadership suffered serious blows. David A. Deptula, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2025 The criminal trial concluded in June with a decisive win for the defense. Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2025 But without decisive policy changes, Shaughnessy fears the outlook will continue to worsen. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025 The other decisive event was more prosaic: activists from a joint Jewish-Palestinian initiative called Standing Together staged a protest outside the studios of Channels 12 and 13. Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
  • The market has been resolute in holding to a view that there will be a rate cut in September so far.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Heat comparison: With Young a year from potential free agency, the Hawks were resolute in augmenting a roster that lost at home to Miami in the play-in.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • But to date, there is no conclusive evidence that RL endows LLMs with reasoning capabilities that generalize beyond easily verifiable domains like math and coding.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The rest died from sea star wasting disease, providing the conclusive evidence the team needed, Prentice says.
    Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • If all of this doesn’t fulfill your Born to Run 50 needs, Peter Ames Carlin — author of the definitive Springsteen biography Bruce — has just released Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025
  • None of the coaches offered a definitive answer, but Brosmer attributes the skill — and it should be noted as such — to experience.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Wendy is determined to save her brother, and leads her synth group to his location on the ship by magically controlling computer screens.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Seven months in, the administration is determined to keep that pledge.
    Matt Alderton, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Having grown up just outside the city—and after a professional chapter in New York—he’s returned to find a design scene that’s evolved in compelling ways.
    Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Watkins’ commitment to teaching science started back in fifth grade, when her science teacher, Joy Ward-Drew, sparked an interest through her compelling teaching style and nurturing skills.
    Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat came together on a blockbuster trade before the NBA trade deadline last year.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Colorado, winners of four of its last five games, has become a tougher team to put away.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Jaguars and Hunter seem intent on making that happen at the pro level, something that’s unheard of.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Josh Brolin plays a grieving father who is intent on finding his missing child and is suspicious that the young teacher had something to do with it.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • All contribute to a convincing business vision and clear investment thesis that internal and external stakeholders can understand and convey.
    Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The Dream picked up a nice national TV win in San Francisco on Sunday, knocking off the Golden State Valkyries with a convincing third-quarter blitz.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decisive

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