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
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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
The decision marks a decisive turning point in a long preservation battle over the closed Polish Pilsen church.
Activists who want the church reopened were dismayed that the final landmark status only protects the church building and not other buildings on the property.
—
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
Few individuals have had as decisive an impact on a modern-day American political party as William F. Buckley Jr.
—Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2025
In the decisive third set, Sabalenka double-faulted to give Gauff a break for 2-1.
Gauff led 3-1 and had break points for 4-1 but Sabalenka held and then broke for 3-all.
—Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
The next debate, in which the top-performing candidates face off, may prove to be more decisive.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
Few individuals have had as decisive an impact on a modern-day American political party as William F. Buckley Jr.
—Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2025
In the decisive third set, Sabalenka double-faulted to give Gauff a break for 2-1.
Gauff led 3-1 and had break points for 4-1 but Sabalenka held and then broke for 3-all.
—Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
The next debate, in which the top-performing candidates face off, may prove to be more decisive.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
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Coupling calmness with resolute silence can be masterful.—
John Baldoni,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
But as the match progressed, Djokovic – who turned 38 on Thursday – showed the kind of resolute determination which appeared to have deserted him of late, breaking Hurkacz four times in a tiebreak after each player had held serve throughout the second set.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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There’s little conclusive evidence yet that creatine boosts cognition.—
Staff Author Published,
Verywell Health,
11 June 2025
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While some research in animals and human cells suggests glyphosate may cause DNA damage and atrazine could mess with hormones, there isn’t currently any conclusive evidence of harm in people based on how we’re being exposed (including in relation to cumulative risk).—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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Often hailed as the definitive screen version, this series perfectly captured the turning point in Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s romance and brought to life the very estate many imagined from the novel’s descriptions.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
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Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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This could be the reason that Republicans seem determined to give them a tax cut.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
14 June 2025
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His interest in the appraisals made by determined minds informed every issue of Lapham’s Quarterly.—
Donovan Hohn
June 13,
Literary Hub,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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The front pleat featured on the top offers a compelling alternative to graphic T-shirts and even bustier tops.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
19 June 2025
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But perhaps most compelling of all is what Katie Waldegrave and Laurie Kilby hear from the children themselves.—
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Sweeney opened up about the scrutiny surrounding her body last year in an interview with Variety.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
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Analysis by Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell United have seen wholesale change since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment into the club, but Cox is the most high-profile departure since the initial wave last year.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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David Becker | Getty Images News | Getty Images BEIJING — Chinese companies are so intent on global expansion that even the biggest stock offering to date on Shanghai’s tech-heavy STAR board counts the U.S. as one of its biggest markets, on par with China.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
12 June 2025
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Or private equity investors intent on maximizing profits might decide to pick up Warner Bros.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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Auckland City is the reigning champion of the New Zealand National League and met the qualifying criteria in the most convincing fashion.—
James Nalton,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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Anything short of a convincing win would be a massive loss for the club.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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