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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 But a new study from researchers at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus has delivered a decisive blow to that theory. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025 Prediction platform Polymarket currently assigns just a 6 percent probability that Sherrill will win the race by a margin of 15 percentage points or more, suggesting that while a decisive victory remains possible, forecasters see it as improbable. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025 Argentinian President Javier Milei scored a major victory on Sunday as voters gave his party La Libertad Avanza a decisive victory in the country’s midterm elections. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025 While Freeman deserves credit for the decisive blow, his teammate Shohei Ohtani was equally crucial in the victory for the defending champions. Christian Orozco, NBC news, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
  • Despite living in hiding, Machado was resolute about Venezuela’s future.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Any credible evidence of sabotage or arson will be met with a swift and resolute response.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers further explain that the discovery of microscopic deformation features in quartz provides conclusive proof that the Jinlin crater was formed by an asteroid impact.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement What the NFL changed to reduce injuries In recent years, as research about CTE has become more conclusive, some sports leagues have begun to concede that head impacts are a problem.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Nothing definitive from Roseman.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • But the answer that emerges from a review of Cheney’s actions and statements appears to be a definitive no.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, Alesta is determined to destroy the beast that took her friend from her by traveling to Hell.
    Brittany Johnson, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Hezbollah remains determined to maintain control over Lebanon and suppress other communities.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Beto and Thierno Barry have scored one league goal between them and neither has made a compelling case for regular starts.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 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.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Hamilton Lane, a firm that invests on behalf of pension funds, as of 2021 PE firms were still holding 45% of their buyout deals five years following their purchase; last year, around 65% were still sitting unsold after a half-decade.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Six of the players who started last weekend’s 2-0 Bundesliga home win against Freiburg — three days after that PSG defeat — are new to the club this season.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Defense Minister Theo Francken told public broadcaster RTBF that Tuesday’s incident appeared to be carried out by professionals intent on destabilizing the country.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Unless this is another ploy by women who are intent on destroying each other.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Broncos, meanwhile, are riding one of the least convincing six-game winning streaks in recent memory.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
  • In reality, bringing the real-life husband and wife together on screen required some convincing.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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