DECISIVELY Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

decisively

adverb

Definition of decisively

as in clearly

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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 decisively Moscow’s ability to decisively breach the Ukrainian frontline is increasingly in doubt. — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026 By that time, the economics of teams and leagues had decisively changed. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 31 July 2026 On June 24, the stock cleared $71 decisively, breaking out of that multi-month range and stepping into a fresh leg higher. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 30 July 2026 But Verstappen decisively re-passed Hamilton, and a third pit stop for Hamilton dropped him behind Antonelli and into fourth. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 28 July 2026 Iowa has moved decisively toward Republicans after backing former President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. — Maham Javaid, NPR, 27 July 2026 The self-assurance that allowed Odysseus to act decisively often became arrogance, leading him to be too quick to dismiss counsel and too slow to change course once committed. — Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 On a moonless night, that Alpha team crept silently from the statue’s belly and wrenched open the gates of Troy, decisively ending the war in their favor. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026 Then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who ran instead, lost decisively to Trump. — Hillel Italie, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisively

Adverb

The planet showed a sharp gibbous disk phase, clearly visible even at moderate power.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Blasi is clearly in form and showed it Tuesday, begging the question whether this may force her team to let her race for a stage.

— Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of clearly

Adverb

All told, the Falcons made it through the first week of training camp with no major injuries and several other players trending positively in their recoveries.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Leaders need to remember how the workplace impacts people emotionally and lead accordingly - positively influencing their storied experience.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of positively

Adverb

Randomized studies More often, your question of interest might not have been answered definitively yet in the medical literature.

— Lucy McGowan, The Conversation, 4 Aug. 2026
The soft ending plants the suggestion that David’s entanglement with Sara might not be definitively over.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of definitively

Adverb

The Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her recovery, while the FBI has added a $100,000 reward for information that conclusively advances the investigation.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026
At the time, there was not enough evidence to conclusively identify the victim—until two years ago, when the CCSO began working with the Oregon Cold Case Collective (OC3) to use genealogy to finally crack the cold case.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Definition of conclusively

Adverb

This would be a well-below-normal season, and certainly a welcome one for coastal residents in the United States from South Texas to Florida to Maine.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2026
Bringing in the Frenchman would certainly be a statement signing, and significantly boost an attacking line that is depleted following the exit of Mohamed Salah and the long-term loss of Hugo Ekitike to injury.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of certainly

Adverb

While the Fathom will surely attract some Ford truck enthusiasts, its size, price point and electric powertrain all also likely bring in new buyers.

— Greg Migliore, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Preventing the development of an Iranian nuclear weapon is surely a vital interest, and destroying Iran’s nuclear program is a clear objective that was plausibly attainable.

— KORI SCHAKE, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of surely

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“Decisively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisively. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of decisively

adverb

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