1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal
only a team with a decisive attitude is going to win a state championship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conclusive
having the power to persuade
a lawyer who knows how to construct the kind of decisive argument that sways a jury
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in definitive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning
the decisive finding of the coroner regarding the cause of death
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decisive
In response, the agency is making subtle but decisive moves.
—
Peter Cummings, Scientific American, 3 June 2025
Then the Panthers kept them off the score sheet in the decisive Game 7.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025
Lawson will play Sarah Silver, the strong willed and decisive Superintendent in the Boston Police Department who is Lena’s stepsister.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 June 2025
There’s a decisive and direct nature to his game that should translate to the NHL.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Peter Cummings, Scientific American, 3 June 2025
Then the Panthers kept them off the score sheet in the decisive Game 7.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025
Lawson will play Sarah Silver, the strong willed and decisive Superintendent in the Boston Police Department who is Lena’s stepsister.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 June 2025
There’s a decisive and direct nature to his game that should translate to the NHL.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
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Armstrong is less resolute, however, when asked how much President Trump’s election to a second term affected his sense of urgency.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
30 May 2025
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Xi’s government has portrayed itself as a resolute defender of the Chinese nation and mocked its opponent.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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While another research review published this year in Nutrients says the research for athletic benefits in women isn’t yet conclusive, there are also reasons to suspect women may benefit from creatine at least as much as men, if not more, both inside and outside the gym, Dr. Smith-Ryan says.—
Cindy Kuzma,
SELF,
28 May 2025
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Though home blood pressure monitors are effective, a healthcare provider can provide more accurate and conclusive results.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.—
Charles Lloyd Bovaird II,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Administration officials and leaders of the emerging military tech sector are determined to get rid of excess regulations that slow the development and production of new weapons systems.—
William Hartung,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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The money funded the Huntington’s research programs, and the institution is nonetheless determined to honor its awards to this year’s recipients.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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Should protected information shared in confidence, in the setting of illness, with a high-stakes power differential, be fodder for writing—no matter how compelling?—
Danielle Ofri,
New Yorker,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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The countries expelled each other’s top diplomats last year over the killing of a Sikh Canadian activist in Canada and allegations of other crimes.—
Rob Gillies,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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On hand are four paranormal investigators intent to solve the mysterious disappearance of a family from a manor where something otherworldly has taken place.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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Congress hasn’t so much been defeated as surrendered, one majority at a time — and Trump is intent on taking all the spoils won by his predecessors’ 50-year siege.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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