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
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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
as in determination
firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose
moved with speed and decisiveness in investigating the charges of the use of excessive force by the police
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decisive
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Maduro has ruled Venezuela with an iron fist since 2013 and has clung to power despite an apparently decisive loss in the 2024 presidential election.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The impact of synthetic users revolves around speed and decisiveness.
—Dmytro Spilka, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Adjective
There are many fair questions following Zohran Mamdani’s decisive victory.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Maduro has ruled Venezuela with an iron fist since 2013 and has clung to power despite an apparently decisive loss in the 2024 presidential election.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
Still, the decisiveness with which Nix delivered the ball, trusting both the protection in front of him and what his eyes were seeing with the defense, was encouraging.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The impact of synthetic users revolves around speed and decisiveness.
—Dmytro Spilka, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
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But Sarah remains resolute, Bert tamps down his desire to make a quick buck — for a while, at least — and the situation starts to draw national attention, thanks to the involvement of a white civil rights attorney and a Black reporter from up north.—
Joe Leydon,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Despite his anger, the woman remained confused but resolute.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Despite numerous conclusive assessments that the Saudi regime planned and perpetrated Khashoggi’s murder, the high-level officials who ordered his execution have gone unpunished, six years on.—
Scott Griffen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Anybody making a definitive call on McCarthy’s trajectory is missing the boat on the sample necessary to make those kinds of judgments.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The two men went on to co-author a definitive 1,500-page textbook on SAT.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Elizabeth’s determination not to settle the succession gave rise to fierce rivalry between the claimants to the English throne, among them Mary, Queen of Scots and her son James VI; James’s cousin Arbella Stuart; Lady Katherine Grey and her descendants; and Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
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Our shareholders and clients have benefited enormously from Elon Musk's vision, determination and execution.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Left in the dark Early in the pandemic, Florida was determined to keep a lid of secrecy on the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
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In a landscape of fear and scarcity, where basic ingredients are nearly impossible to find, Lamia sets out on a determined journey throughout the big city in search of eggs, flour and sugar.—
Carole Horst,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Department stores still have to make a compelling case for consumers to come back.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
North Carolina is renowned for its music, creativity, and breathtaking mountain views, but its large-scale artworks offer another compelling reason to visit the state.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Adebayo, who missed only four games last season, sat out for the first time this season with a sprained left big toe.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
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The trauma of last weekend will require patient rehabilitation and mental care.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Parents and alumni of Jesuit High School in Carmichael are doggedly fighting back against the Catholic all-boys school’s recent decision to begin accepting girls in 2027.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
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But when asked about the duo, McKillop elected to talk about the entire backcourt, making play-time decisions challenging this early in the season with a brand new roster.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
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