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
Mayer’s masterpiece, now almost a decade old, remains the definitive investigation of modern campaign finance.
—
Zephyr Teachout, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
In short, this is a definitive shmup and comes highly recommended.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Because nursery rhymes are such an important part of every child’s musical journey, creating a definitive collection felt essential.
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2025
According to experts, the manufacturing techniques of the balls and the factors that influence their deterioration have been monitored and studied, but no definitive formula for their preservation has yet been found.
—Lauren Liebhaber
september 16, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Zephyr Teachout, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
In short, this is a definitive shmup and comes highly recommended.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Because nursery rhymes are such an important part of every child’s musical journey, creating a definitive collection felt essential.
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2025
According to experts, the manufacturing techniques of the balls and the factors that influence their deterioration have been monitored and studied, but no definitive formula for their preservation has yet been found.
—Lauren Liebhaber
september 16, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
The site has been weaponized to magnify climate denial and vaccine denial messaging, while drowning out actual authoritative scientific sources and voices.—
Michael E. Mann,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Employees felt uncomfortable coming to work knowing that someone in an authoritative position was going to be here [who] said those things on the internet.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The publication also noted that despite there being no conclusive evidence that Assata was directly to blame for the death of Foerster, New Jersey law stated that everyone involved was equally responsible for the murder.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
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The maker of Tylenol, Kenvue, and organizations like the World Health Organization state there is no conclusive evidence for the claim.—
Beth Warren,
Nashville Tennessean,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Appearing on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast (see video below), Watson did not make an explicit reference to Rowling’s rejection of transgender rights, but the issue has been a flashpoint in their relationship.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
24 Sep. 2025
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There's no explicit in-game reward for almost all of these random digressions, and your fellow cut-scene hikers will frequently explicitly warn you that there's no point in climbing some structure or another.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The breakfast menu also offers classic egg white omelets, a grits bowl and a duck-fat poached flank steak and eggs.—
Samantha Husted,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The lineup of festivities includes an exciting schedule of concerts, classic rides, carnival games and over 25 brand-new food items to indulge in, from new takes on fair favorites to trendy items like Dubai chocolate and Mike's Hot Honey.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Companies with more women in leadership roles are more likely to take decisive climate action, including disclosing their emissions.—
Catherine McKenna,
Time,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The surge gave NewsNation decisive wins over its competitors.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But that might not give you a definite idea of how the drink may affect you.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Both are definite building blocks moving forward for the organization.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Captain Marc Guehi, who was denied a move to Liverpool in a dramatic summer transfer deadline day U-turn, offers leadership and an exemplary ability to read the game.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
-
His death Friday morning just after midnight, silences an exemplary artist who performed weekly until earlier this summer.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Carrie Severino, president of the conservative advocacy group Judicial Crisis Network, told the Washington Examiner that clearer emergency docket orders can help stop issues from returning to the docket, while commending the justices for taking up the FTC firing case.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Sep. 2025
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The suite of changes were announced despite a notable lack of clear scientific evidence to support these moves.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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