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Synonym Chooser

How is the word definite distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of definite are explicit, express, and specific. While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

When could explicit be used to replace definite?

The meanings of explicit and definite largely overlap; however, explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to definite?

The words express and definite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

When would specific be a good substitute for definite?

While in some cases nearly identical to definite, specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

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 definite Despite missing time this offseason because of a contract dispute, Stewart made definite flashes this preseason and steadily earned more first-team reps. Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 This is a definite go-to for me! Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2025 If your teen loves a good revenge trope, then this is a definite must-read! Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2025 Nobody 2 is prime with older guys with solid total awareness and definite interest climbing. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for definite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definite
Adjective
  • Buses are a major mode of transport in Mexico, where, though freight trains are common, passenger rail routes remain limited.
    Lizbeth Diaz, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • And with the aircraft manufacturing industry effectively a duopoly between Boeing and Airbus, options are limited.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In recent incidents, Google's Gemini CLI destroyed user files while attempting to reorganize them, and Replit's AI coding service deleted a production database despite explicit instructions not to modify code.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The supplemental essay prompts released for 2025–26 make this explicit.
    Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Open spaces, huge rooms, and an absolute lack of privacy are all the rage.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
  • After a review, the ACIP decided to focus first on getting the vaccine to people at the absolute highest risk, people 65 and up, a recommendation ultimately accepted by the CDC.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But there is a finite supply of housing, and prices went up, pricing out younger buyers.
    Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Even though California now has the second-highest tax incentive in the country after Georgia (which has no cap on its program’s annual spending), there is still a finite amount of money to be handed out each year.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Ditto the Hammer Studios output of the 1950s and ’60s, Bernie Wrightson’s definitive illustrations of the Creature, oodles of Gothic literature, Roger Corman’s Poe pictures, and Mario Bava’s retina-searing color creep shows.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Forbes today unveils its 44th annual Forbes 400 list, the definitive ranking of the wealthiest Americans.
    Forbes Press Releases, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Khusnullin has earned Putin’s unconditional trust due to his lengthy experience in remaking cities.
    Yegor Mostovshikov, The Dial, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Hamas, however, said any talks would not be unconditional—underscoring the entrenchment on both sides.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tesla's board earlier this year approved an interim compensation package for Musk worth about $29 billion in restricted stock, designed to keep him at the helm through at least 2030.
    Reuters, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Vehicles parked in restricted areas may be ticketed or towed, and parking within 20 feet of an intersection or crosswalk is prohibited, per the release.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definite. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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