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
One in which anything or everything always seems to be happening, but nothing definitive ever did?
—
Matthew Specktor, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026
There’s no definitive answer, but cleaning experts have a preference.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026
While there is some correlative evidence for this claim, such as the case of Northwestern University, no definitive link has been found.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
The growing protests show this year will be the definitive moment for change.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Matthew Specktor, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026
There’s no definitive answer, but cleaning experts have a preference.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026
While there is some correlative evidence for this claim, such as the case of Northwestern University, no definitive link has been found.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
The growing protests show this year will be the definitive moment for change.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
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Her authoritative reporting and industry knowledge help readers and listeners better understand the space and inform critical business decisions.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.—
Devon Akmon,
Washington Post,
6 Jan. 2026
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
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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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Without explicit training, civil servants risk assuming that a system that writes like an expert also counts like one.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
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In addition, explicit prohibitions on shooting at vehicles are largely absent from the law, which means that officers responsible for fatal shootings of drivers that appear to violate departmental policies still often escape criminal penalties.—
Ben Jones,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Look for classic chocolate and vanilla cones, plus cereal milk ice cream and other specialty flavors.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
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Buckter guided her toward a palette where the colors relate to one another in a classic way, the kind that instantly reads as San Francisco.—
Itay Hod,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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Because to me, things like nullify and void have definite meanings.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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But experts suggest holding off on seeing melatonin as a definite danger.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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An exemplary beef tartare arrived in the second wave.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
24 Dec. 2025
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Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
18 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Things became clearer on December 28, when Dreame released teaser images and confirmed that its first car would debut at CES 2026.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Iwobi’s movement drags Ladislav Krejci wider, increasing the space between the lines and creating a clear passing angle for Calvin Bassey.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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