1
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
the definitive work on the attack on Pearl Harbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in conclusive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning
a definitive answer that put an immediate end to the discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning
the insurance company's definitive statement on the types of surgical operations that are covered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade is often cited as the definitive hard-boiled private detective
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 definitive
But while there is no definitive trend among this year’s leading slate, many of the artists are achieving new career milestones.
—
Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
The 34-year-old democratic socialist’s definitive victory in Tuesday’s New York City mayoral election brings an odd fact reality to life.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
But as of late Wednesday afternoon, results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s website showed definitive leads holding for five progressive candidates.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025
Now, the entire denomination eagerly awaits a definitive answer on whether that enthusiasm in Zimbabwe is shared across the globe.
—Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
The 34-year-old democratic socialist’s definitive victory in Tuesday’s New York City mayoral election brings an odd fact reality to life.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
But as of late Wednesday afternoon, results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s website showed definitive leads holding for five progressive candidates.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025
Now, the entire denomination eagerly awaits a definitive answer on whether that enthusiasm in Zimbabwe is shared across the globe.
—Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
By now, it’s well established that dialogues with chatbots sometimes fuel dangerous delusions, in part because LLMs can feel so authoritative despite their limitations.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
11 Nov. 2025
-
And, in a pact similar to the one CNN has entered, CNBC struck a deal with Cisco in 2010 that showed how the technology company’s TelePresence networking equipment helped the news outlet bring authoritative sources to the screen.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Not in any explicit way—my father wasn’t the cranky, alcoholic ex-minor league baseball player who drove around Los Angeles with his pool cleaning equipment in the back of his Cadillac convertible played by Matthau.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
In a robot like Shakey, the map is explicit.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
That shot-on-film aspect lends to the film feeling like a throwback to classic coming-of-age movies, but with a chilling twist.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Nov. 2025
-
But of course, for space nerds like us, lots of old, classic factions and debates pop out of this new framework.—
Lee Billings,
Scientific American,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Indeed, the decisive role played by international allies like France and Spain is only one part of this sprawling story.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger secured the governorship with a decisive lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, while Mikie Sherrill prevailed in New Jersey following a campaign centered on affordability and public safety.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Because to me, things like nullify and void have definite meanings.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
But experts suggest holding off on seeing melatonin as a definite danger.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Both were exemplary but had to be substituted due to injury.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Now, he’s being remembered as an exemplary leader.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Hours before kickoff on Monday, the three-time NFL defensive player of the clear sent a clear plea to YouTube TV and ESPN.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Nowhere was that clearer than in midfield, where the complementary attributes of Freddie Potts, Lucas Paqueta and Mateus Fernandes provided a well-balanced engine room.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share