DEFINITIVE Synonyms: 190 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'definitive' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of definitive are conclusive , decisive , and determinative . While all these words mean "bringing to an end," definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent. // the definitive biography

Q: When is it sensible to use 'conclusive' instead of 'definitive'?

In some situations, the words conclusive and definitive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning. // conclusive evidence

Q: When is 'decisive' a more appropriate choice than 'definitive'?

The synonyms decisive and definitive are sometimes interchangeable, but decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty. // a decisive battle

Q: When can 'determinative' be used instead of 'definitive'?

The meanings of determinative and definitive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction. // the determinative factor in the court's decision

definitive

adjective

di-ˈfi-nə-tiv

Definition of definitive next

as in authoritative

being the most accurate and apparently thorough the definitive work on the attack on Pearl Harbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word definitive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of definitive are conclusive, decisive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When is it sensible to use conclusive instead of definitive?

In some situations, the words conclusive and definitive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When is decisive a more appropriate choice than definitive?

The synonyms decisive and definitive are sometimes interchangeable, but decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When can determinative be used instead of definitive?

The meanings of determinative and definitive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

Examples 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 Alexander the Great In 2023, The Athletic’s Jacob Whitehead went to Sweden to compile the definitive profile on Isak. —

Phil Hay, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 Their tool became a definitive source for gauging whether congestion pricing was effective. —

Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025 There is no definitive link between the additive and cancer in humans, but consumer advocacy groups continued to push for its prohibition. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025 BioShock 2 is an essential video game, and its remastered version on PC is the definitive way to check it out. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for definitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive

Adjective

Still, McGrath and the others are noticing more of a shift away from physical discipline and the tide turning toward authoritative parenting–which McGrath views as a positive development of newer generations opting to base their parenting styles on research rather than tradition.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 15 Jan. 2025
In under 20 words, Grisham establishes an authoritative voice, introduces the narrator, and hints at conflict between father and son, sparking curiosity.

— G Kirilloff, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025