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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 Patton wrote the Army's tank-fighting rules and ultimately became a decisive battlefield commander during World War II. Davis Winkie, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 Pedro Martinez anchored the first championship rotation of the century for Boston in 2004 while David Price earned the decisive victory to close out the last World Series title for the Red Sox in 2018. Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is not known for giving decisive hints. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 The Broncos did retake the lead with just minutes remaining in the final quarter with another Lutz field goal, pushing Denver ahead by two points – a lead which proved decisive. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
  • His fitness record and resolute performances playing a big role in helping Everton survive during a turbulent chapter in the club’s modern history.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • But Rachel Goldberg-Polin remains resolute, her grief tempered by her desire to see the remaining hostages return.
    NBC News, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That means kimchi's beneficial bacteria could potentially offset the hypertensive effects of sodium, although the research is not conclusive.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The condition has been studied for years with no real conclusive findings about what can be done to treat it.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Studies in recent years have gone back and forth on the topic, with no definitive conclusion.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The definitive ranking of the women at the top of the global business world tells us both who wields power today and who is poised to climb even higher tomorrow.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The general store, which was built in 1796 and is the oldest in Vermont, has survived several fires, thanks to the efforts of determined Putney residents.
    Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Proctor hasn’t scored yet this season, but the Crimson Tide look determined to get him in the end zone.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Reducing their reliance on the grid, then, would involve compelling utilities to leave PJM, or securing electricity from alternative sources.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The African American History building was closed for unclear reasons (that seemed to me ominous), but the John Brown Museum right across the street had compelling displays about Brown’s attack and its aftermath.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With a swath of apps taking betting from the casino to one’s pocket, the industry has captured the interest of Gen Z, who saw a 7% year-over-year increase in online sports betting activity as of 2025’s second quarter, TransUnion found in a report released last month.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The dedicated contract services segment is expected to show revenue of $860 million, an increase of the $846 million posted in the same quarter last year.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The group faces their biggest threat yet in the form of the Saja Boys, a rival boy band comprised of demons intent on stealing HUNTR/X's fanbase and feasting on their souls.
    Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Some of the safety rails are being gamed by users intent on finding workarounds.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Scammers piece these details together to build convincing attacks.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Scammers today can craft convincing emails that look exactly like those from customer support teams – addressed to you personally, written in perfect English, and offering help with everyday tasks.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decisive

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