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
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Recent Examples of definitive
For many leaders, these early signals feel definitive, reinforcing the belief that privacy regulation erodes company value.
—
Harvard Business Review, 1 June 2026
Considered one of the definitive records of Monroe, the tome offers interviews with primary sources like former husband Arthur Miller, friend and mentor Lee Strasberg and directors Otto Preminger, Billy Wilder and John Huston.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 1 June 2026
Vanity Fair brought the story to light in 1990 with its definitive account of Eternal Values.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 1 June 2026
The lack of any real evidence shouldn’t deter anyone from making definitive statements like these.
—Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Harvard Business Review, 1 June 2026
Considered one of the definitive records of Monroe, the tome offers interviews with primary sources like former husband Arthur Miller, friend and mentor Lee Strasberg and directors Otto Preminger, Billy Wilder and John Huston.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 1 June 2026
Vanity Fair brought the story to light in 1990 with its definitive account of Eternal Values.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 1 June 2026
The lack of any real evidence shouldn’t deter anyone from making definitive statements like these.
—Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
Silver’s background played an instrumental role in the NBA building a credible and authoritative case to expel Ballmer’s predecessor, Donald Sterling, as Clippers owner after Sterling’s racist comments led to NBA players threatening a boycott and sponsors cutting ties with the Clippers.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
2 June 2026
-
Read the authoritative profile of how Wilson has worked to make Homer modern.—
Caroline Mimbs Nyce,
New Yorker,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The jobs apocalypse is not yet here, but governments waiting for conclusive evidence of it will be acting too late.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
24 May 2026
-
However, no conclusive evidence ever surfaced to confirm those claims.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
These powerful entities ward off competition through implicit or explicit threats.—
Bozorgmehr Sharafedin,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
-
This could show up as being clear on the values the company embraces and how these support innovation, but at the same time being explicit about the actions that will not be tolerated.—
David Morel,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The committee had previously committed to providing 10,000 bus seats for fans travelling to games at MetLife, but increased its inventory by hiring classic American yellow school buses.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
In a decisive upset, Democrat John Forbes won his party’s nomination in the June 2 primary election for Polk County supervisor in District 1, unseating incumbent Matt McCoy.—
Virginia Barreda,
Des Moines Register,
3 June 2026
-
Because more than 70 percent of voters supported other candidates in the first round, both Fujimori and Sánchez have sought to broaden their appeal ahead of the decisive vote.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
The album has a definite release date, while when the film will come out beyond the festival circuit is still up in the air.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
4 June 2026
-
Among the appetizers, wings are a definite crowd favorite.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor and recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the United States and the world.—
Logan Hall,
CBS News,
23 May 2026
-
The musicianship is just exemplary.—
Liza Lentini,
SPIN,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
Investigating active government officials in Mexico is a new strategy for the United States, which in the past refrained from targeting sitting leaders in allied countries with criminal investigations because of the clear political ramifications.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
What Schwartz made clear is that once Cleveland chose Monken, his own decision was already made.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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