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 consumer goods company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Touchland brand for $700 million, consisting of cash and Church & Dwight stock, and a payment of up to $180 million contingent on the achievement of Touchland’s 2025 net sales.
—
Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 12 May 2025
Although no definitive starter has been established from spring camp, there is considerable potential within the group.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Another loose thread the writers had toyed with for years before weaving it into the final season was a romantic storyline for paterfamilias Eli (John Goodman) in a definitive act of moving on.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025
On the Devers question, Breslow didn’t rule it out, but Cora was less definitive.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 12 May 2025
Although no definitive starter has been established from spring camp, there is considerable potential within the group.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Another loose thread the writers had toyed with for years before weaving it into the final season was a romantic storyline for paterfamilias Eli (John Goodman) in a definitive act of moving on.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025
On the Devers question, Breslow didn’t rule it out, but Cora was less definitive.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
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With a versatile and emotionally resonant voice, he’s known for delivering the smooth sophistication of jazz and the commanding presence needed for authoritative reads.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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When executed well, a strong content strategy creates a consistent, authoritative presence that builds both trust and familiarity, inviting potential clients to take the next step.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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As an option, have a separate, conclusive AI to summarize everything and produce the final answers.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
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This observation provided the first conclusive evidence for the existence of the cosmic behemoth at the core of a galaxy.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Observers couldn’t quite tell what the explicit target was—American movies filmed overseas?—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
17 May 2025
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That this exchange between Fatima and her mother stops short of being an explicit breakthrough is significant, an acknowledgement that the outcomes of situations like these are often imperfect.—
Jon Frosch,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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From classic dollar-slice joints to artisan Neapolitan-style pizza and thick-crust American pies, New York City’s Italian restaurant market is impressive, boasting more than 1,800 pizzerias spread across the five boroughs.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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In 2025, options for local music lovers range from a jazz festival to country and classic rock performances.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Today's ruling is another clear and decisive victory that will ensure the lives of countless unborn children remain protected and that South Carolina continues to lead the charge in defending the sanctity of life.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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Charlotte’s victory in the series-deciding finale improved its record to 3-4 all time in its modern history (since 1994) and was the second in three season; Charlotte won the decisive third game of a best-of-three series in 2023 over Lehigh Valley.—
Richard Walker,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Seafood Courses The eight courses begin with an amuse-bouche containing definite New York touches including a King Salmon Everything Bagel plus a suggestion of a smash burger but composed of the fatty tuna Otoro, egg yolk gelee and Choux pastry and an A5 Wagyu & Hokkaido Uni Sando.—
Laurie Werner,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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American admiration of French pharmacy products is, without a doubt, connected to a general sense of fascination and mysticism with French beauty and style, and there's a definite allure to that foreignness.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
5 May 2025
Adjective
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Just 39 miles north of New York City and set on 1.7 acres in a sunny clearing at the end of a tree-shaded drive sits an exemplary International Style glass pavilion with views of the Hudson River from every room.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
15 May 2025
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Rob Copland received the Officer of the Year Award from American Legion Post 57 in recognition of his exemplary service with the Elgin Police Department and his years of service in the U.S. Navy Reserve, according to a social media post.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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Taken together, the studies provide the clearest evidence yet that birds and mammals independently evolved brain regions for complex cognition.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Wired News,
11 May 2025
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Subtle but clear involuntary changes allowed for the patient to have their condition plotted on a scale – something that takes the onus away from less reliable self-reporting.—
Bronwyn Thompson,
New Atlas,
11 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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