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
Finally, after more than a month of agony, her allergist diagnosed her with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) — an incurable condition marked by hives that last six weeks or longer, with no definitive cause or trigger.
—
Diane Herbst, People.com, 11 July 2025
No single museum offered a definitive narrative of the junta, the desaparecidos, and the quest for justice.
—Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
To be fair, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is, well, the definitive inside story.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
For many, Shirow is one of the definitive modern manga creators and is also hugely influential.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Diane Herbst, People.com, 11 July 2025
No single museum offered a definitive narrative of the junta, the desaparecidos, and the quest for justice.
—Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
To be fair, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is, well, the definitive inside story.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
For many, Shirow is one of the definitive modern manga creators and is also hugely influential.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
14 July 2025
-
As mild-mannered Clark Kent and his powerful alter ego, who'd regularly save his pals Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Reeves brought likability, honesty and an authoritative streak to the role that changed his life. 1.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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First, as Paul points out, laboratory tests may not be conclusive or may appear normal, even when the patient is clearly experiencing abnormal symptoms.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Flow Space,
7 July 2025
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Replay seemed to show LeMahieu getting in under Sánchez’s tag, but a lack of conclusive evidence led to the original call being upheld after a review.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Be The Boss: Give Your AI A Role And Super-Clear Instructions The most effective AI startups treat their LLMs like new, highly capable team members needing explicit direction.—
Pradeep Kumar Muthukamatchi,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
But no doubt users will poke and prod for extra-abusive responses from the aggressive bot while seeing how explicit Ani becomes with the right seductive prompts.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Go classic or try a variety of twists on the standard cheesesteak, including vegan options.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
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The bride wore a white lace gown for the ceremony and a white corseted minidress with sheer long sleeves for the reception, while Brody sported a classic black suit.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The idea that no one was born inherently superior, that status wasn’t tied to birth but to citizenship and shared rights, was a radical break in human history and a decisive rejection of Old World European ideology.—
Jared Nordlund,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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The second set ultimately went all the way to a tiebreak, and after trading two mini-breaks apiece, the British pair gained a decisive two-point advantage, aided by a Pel double-fault.—
Leon Imber,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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The video is generally crisp, though the limited frame rate (15 fps) is a definite weakness with moving subjects.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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The one that doesn’t have a definite endpoint and could yield some interesting negotiations is Wyatt Kaiser’s deal.—
Scott Powers,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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She will be remembered as an exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 July 2025
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People who knew Foxcroft remembered him as a father, husband and exemplary worker in tributes shared with the outlet.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Lawyers for the immigrant rights groups challenging the law said the courts have been clear that such penalties are unconstitutional because immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
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The landscape of potential O’Brien challengers isn’t yet clear, but Hooker, the Philadelphia Local official, is one of them.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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