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
Since then, hundreds of astronomers have monitored OJ287 to test the theory and to seek definitive proof that the two black holes truly share the same galactic heart, according to the statement.
—
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Van Ginkel’s neck injury has a less definitive recovery timeline.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Jon Batiste is the definitive musical Renaissance man.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
The debilitating long-term illness affects millions worldwide, including more than 400,000 people in the UK, but has long lacked a definitive diagnostic tool.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Van Ginkel’s neck injury has a less definitive recovery timeline.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Jon Batiste is the definitive musical Renaissance man.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
The debilitating long-term illness affects millions worldwide, including more than 400,000 people in the UK, but has long lacked a definitive diagnostic tool.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
While Efraimoglou is bold and authoritative, Vandorou is quiet and reflective.—
Janine Di Giovanni,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The Red List, produced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is the most authoritative global assessment of extinction risk of species.—
Nell Lewis,
CNN Money,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The initial analysis, concluded on August 8, 2025, confirmed the skull was that of an adult, but could not provide further conclusive information.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
17 Oct. 2025
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That means kimchi's beneficial bacteria could potentially offset the hypertensive effects of sodium, although the research is not conclusive.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This represents a more explicit approach than the February policy change, which allowed erotica in certain contexts but lacked age-gating infrastructure.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
15 Oct. 2025
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While a reference to Democrats alone likely doesn't constitute a violation of the law, the explicit blaming of their party for the shutdown may, said Michael Fallings, a partner at Tully Rinckey, an employment law firm.—
NPR,
NPR,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
And don’t forget to book a table at the bijou Il Piccolo restaurant, comprising just nine tables to offer—in the spirit of Violino d’Oro more broadly—subtle, meticulously executed riffs on classic Venetian fare and the flavors of the lagoon.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
13 Oct. 2025
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From classic stud earrings to trendy chunky rings, here are the best jewelry gifts to shop this season.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But if the series pushes to a decisive seventh game, a World Series appearance on the line, Bieber will get the ball once more.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who cast the decisive fifth vote in a similar case from Alabama two years ago, reiterated his view that there should be an end point to racial remedies like this one.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Gaining more plants is a definite bonus.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Riley did not have definite updates on Sanders’ and Jordan’s health after the game.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Charlap plays hem all with exemplary taste.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Oct. 2025
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As far as gender-bent reboots go, High Fidelity is exemplary.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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To be clear, the defense isn’t without concerns.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 Oct. 2025
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By virtue of its lack of carbs, clear protein doesn’t contain any lactose—a sugar found in dairy that can cause digestive irritation in some people, like bloating and diarrhea.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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