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
The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to take thin slices of the brain after the person’s death and use a microscope to look for an abnormal accumulation of tau, a protein that stabilizes certain elements of the brain.
—
Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
As teams are much faster to pull the trigger on an underperforming hire, some will struggle to find competent replacements, and few will find definitive improvement.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
The only way to get a definitive diagnosis is through surgery, and a specialist is the one who will know when and how to look.
—Tabitha Britt, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
In 1999, Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez shot one of the definitive horror films of the era on a budget of roughly $60,000.
—Diana Hubbell, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
As teams are much faster to pull the trigger on an underperforming hire, some will struggle to find competent replacements, and few will find definitive improvement.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
The only way to get a definitive diagnosis is through surgery, and a specialist is the one who will know when and how to look.
—Tabitha Britt, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
In 1999, Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez shot one of the definitive horror films of the era on a budget of roughly $60,000.
—Diana Hubbell, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
But having the goods to back up your inflammatory beliefs is hardly the point of Grokipedia, a platform simply meant to appear authoritative in its own right.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Brown, after an authoritative start to the fourth quarter, went quiet down the stretch, scoring just two points in the final five minutes and missing his last three shots.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Researchers further explain that the discovery of microscopic deformation features in quartz provides conclusive proof that the Jinlin crater was formed by an asteroid impact.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement What the NFL changed to reduce injuries In recent years, as research about CTE has become more conclusive, some sports leagues have begun to concede that head impacts are a problem.—
Alana Semuels,
Time,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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The aesthetic is defined by deep red and forest green tartans, warm lighting, elevated accents, and sophisticated dinnerware that evokes classic holiday charm with a polished Americana flair.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
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Contemporary managers, executives and umpires will be considered in December 2026, while classic era candidates will be viewed in December 2027.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
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
-
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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Both were exemplary but had to be substituted due to injury.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Now, he’s being remembered as an exemplary leader.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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However, Mamdani is still a clear frontrunner heading into Election Day, and maintained a two-digit lead in other polls taken just days earlier.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
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The assertions came despite a lack of clear scientific evidence, and Kenvue has called them simply false.—
NPR,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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