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
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
The findings, while not definitive, suggest that people with these insecure attachments could be compensating for their attachment by having more children.
—
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
20 June 2026
The sudden closure could have wider implications, as the newfound illustration of the peace deal’s fragility could spook shipping companies into choosing not to traverse the strait until a more definitive end to the fighting.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
20 June 2026
His Five Forces framework—competitive rivalry, new entrants, substitutes, buyer power and supplier power—became the definitive lens for assessing whether an industry is worth entering.
—
Peter Su,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
What used to be a family-friendly environment is now filled with drag queens, definitive political and ideological statements about sexuality, and mascots decked out in the colors and symbols of that movement.
—
Jon Root Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
20 June 2026
The sudden closure could have wider implications, as the newfound illustration of the peace deal’s fragility could spook shipping companies into choosing not to traverse the strait until a more definitive end to the fighting.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
20 June 2026
His Five Forces framework—competitive rivalry, new entrants, substitutes, buyer power and supplier power—became the definitive lens for assessing whether an industry is worth entering.
—
Peter Su,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
What used to be a family-friendly environment is now filled with drag queens, definitive political and ideological statements about sexuality, and mascots decked out in the colors and symbols of that movement.
—
Jon Root Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
Plot synopsis House of the Dragon attempts to condense and dramatize the conflicting accounts presented in Fire & Blood—stitched together from testimonies and court chronicles—into a single authoritative narrative.
-
They can be resolved through the application of authoritative expertise and through the organization’s current structures, procedures, and ways of doing things.
Adjective
-
However, a three-judge panel selected for a legal assessment of the findings found that the investigation was not conclusive enough.
-
Bartošák-Harlow said there's no conclusive evidence of who has and who has not paid a toll in the past, and there wasn't any sort of record, adding that companies should not be paying a toll for passage through an international waterway.
Adjective
-
The decentralized group, created by 15-year-old Bradley Chance Cadenhead in Stephenville, targets children through social media, gaming platforms and messaging apps to coerce them into self-harm and sharing explicit content.
-
Samaritaine is explicit about this positioning.
Adjective
-
The classic and irresistible pairing of fat and acid is nothing short of genius; the butter that makes the sauce taste so rich and creamy is perfectly tempered by the vinegar that adds a signature tang to the hot sauce.
-
Fans have since delighted in the resurgence of the classic 1971 country-folk hit, with videos circulating across social media of World Cup viewers proudly belting the lyrics.
Adjective
-
Canada has a chance to take a decisive step toward the knockouts against unfancied Qatar, with all four teams in their group level on 1 point after the Qataris earned a surprise tie with Switzerland.
-
Southgate missed the decisive penalty, in 1996, in a match against Germany.
Adjective
-
From indie shorts and arthouse features to 3D family-friendly blockbusters, Canada’s presence this year is a definite sign of a resilient animation industry.
-
Despite that, her royal status has come with one definite perk.
Adjective
-
Sourced mostly from South Island regions, the exemplary onboard wine selection is balanced enough to cater to a variety of palates.
-
There’s not even pressure on him, really, at least in some part to his season’s results, which have been less exemplary than the past few.
Adjective
-
Emergency crews continue to assess the situation in different parts of the country, while authorities are expected to provide a clearer picture in the coming hours regarding material damage, injuries and possible fatalities.
-
There’s clear evidence that some of the links between larger climate patterns in the atmosphere are being altered by climate change, Trenberth said.
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
