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
Believed to be the definitive end of his career, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012 before making a miraculous and unexpected return to the ring nearly nine years later at the 2020 Royal Rumble.
—
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Thompson also laid out the prosecution's timeline -- and for the first time, a definitive order in which the four victims were killed.
—Kayna Whitworth, ABC News, 2 July 2025
There are a handful of possible charter amendments that could be brought forward, but nothing is definitive.
—Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
If preliminary tests show there is a concern, further testing will be done to make a definitive diagnosis.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Thompson also laid out the prosecution's timeline -- and for the first time, a definitive order in which the four victims were killed.
—Kayna Whitworth, ABC News, 2 July 2025
There are a handful of possible charter amendments that could be brought forward, but nothing is definitive.
—Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
If preliminary tests show there is a concern, further testing will be done to make a definitive diagnosis.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
Whereas serif fonts feel authoritative and timeless, sans serif fonts can feel modern or informal.—
Aytekin Tank,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Ralphs’ tasteful, authoritative and often-underrated guitar work and songwriting acumen were a trademark of both bands across the 1970s.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Family-friendly Offerings Hotel Marina Riviera doesn’t have any explicit family-minded amenities or offerings at the moment, but the baseline amenities are pretty family-friendly.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025
-
In the push to minimize cigarette smoking, explicit labels were added to cigarettes, pricing increased, aggressive anti-smoking ad campaigns replaced cigarette ad placement, and fewer businesses sold cigarettes.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
This included building a custom classic car for the PGA Tour Charles Schwab Challenge winner; an idea that conventional analysis alone would never have surfaced.—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The golf skort comes in 23 colors, from classic black and white to playful leopard print.—
Esme Benjamin,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
February 2025 Queen of Swords: February’s energy is pushing you to set clear boundaries and make decisive moves, especially in your financial or professional life this month.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
-
The decisive sequence started off with Martínez bearing down on Freese, his teammate at New York City FC, throwing him off with a wink before placing a cool kick as Freese dove the wrong way.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
There are definite reasons to question Rodgers' commitment to the Steelers.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
The movie, The Last Class, which premiered on June 27, speaks to many of these issues in more detail and also shows his exemplary teaching style.—
Lucie Lapovsky,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The 22-year-old was booked 15 seconds into the opening group game against the Czech Republic, but responded with an exemplary display of defensive discipline and control in possession.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
The fire table, which comes with clear fire glass, a table lid, propane cover, and a protective fabric table cover, burns at a maximum of 57,000 BTU and is made from rust-free aluminum.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 July 2025
-
If voters, especially in politically conservative areas such as Ohio, make clear that dismantling science and academia undermines their communities, Congress may yet act.—
Matt Motta,
Scientific American,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share