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 Last of Us’s New Beginning Right on cue, HBO’s adaptation arrives at the source material’s definitive spoiler — and its most controversial.
—
Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2025
The response sounded definitive and official, and the user did not suspect that Sam was not human.
—ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
But the study authors, and other experts, remain cautious and have not declared a definitive discovery of life beyond our planet.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
No definitive death penalty ruling Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree had urged Klapper not to rule on the death penalty.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2025
The response sounded definitive and official, and the user did not suspect that Sam was not human.
—ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
But the study authors, and other experts, remain cautious and have not declared a definitive discovery of life beyond our planet.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
No definitive death penalty ruling Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree had urged Klapper not to rule on the death penalty.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
In this authoritative, elegant biography, Daut meticulously combs the torrents of contemporary letters and broadsheets to draw a complex, contradictory portrait of Christophe, also known as King Henry.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The distant therapist Not too long ago, therapists acted like black boxes and authoritative gods.—
David E. Tolchinsky,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Estimates of people with other arrhythmias are less conclusive, but in general, people with arrhythmias are at higher risk of having heart attacks or strokes and dying early, Pell said.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2025
-
While some studies have found potential associations—often at higher-than-recommended levels—experts caution that the evidence is mixed and not conclusive.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Norris steps out of the aisle and appears to direct two other men in, though no explicit order could be heard.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for an explicit verbal exchange with a Los Angeles Lakers fan during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Undercut Pixie While Halle Berry has the most classic look, 2010s Rihanna endorsed the pompadour, contrast cut version of pixies.—
Essence,
Essence,
21 Apr. 2025
-
On average, a casual jacket is around $220 while a handful of classic tailoring sees jackets priced at $515 and around $250 for trousers.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s exactly what WWE fans got inside Allegiant Stadium, with a short but sweet bout that ended in decisive fashion when Cargill demolished Naomi with a massive Jaded finisher.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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And, in fact, Democrats are winning special elections month after month after month, including most recently a decisive one in Wisconsin earlier this month for the state Supreme Court.—
Isabel Danzis,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But despite definite similarities between Bono and Peters’ vocal styles, the Alarm’s music was less anthemic and centered more around acoustic guitars.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Your ideal clients want someone who stands for something definite.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Mexico has many must-see attractions—jungles, cathedrals, ancient temples, and mighty beaches—and its archeology and scenery are exemplary, and its food and nightlife legendary.—
Alex Ledsom,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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This creation from Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe is exemplary of former creative director Jonathan Anderson’s penchant for infusing sophistication and whimsy into the brand’s designs.—
Hali Bey Ramdene,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Although no concrete action appears to have come from Martin's letters yet, Garcia said the implications are clear.—
Tom Dreisbach,
NPR,
29 Apr. 2025
-
That did not stop Mr. Trump, whose message was clear: Opposing him publicly means risking punishment at the hands of the federal government.—
Jonathan Swan,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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