determinative

Synonym Chooser

How is the word determinative different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of determinative are conclusive, decisive, and definitive. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

When could conclusive be used to replace determinative?

The words conclusive and determinative can be used in similar contexts, but conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When might decisive be a better fit than determinative?

Although the words decisive and determinative have much in common, decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

Where would definitive be a reasonable alternative to determinative?

While in some cases nearly identical to determinative, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

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 determinative But as independents ourselves, the two of us can’t participate despite the fact that primaries are often more determinative of who gets elected than the November general election. Dr. Jessie Fields, New York Daily News, 1 June 2025 That naturally leads to early clues, even if those clues aren’t determinative. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 May 2025 The Democratic response or lack thereof to Republicans and the Trump agenda will be determinative of voters' enthusiasm to turn out for them in the coming midterm year -- their next big hope to reclaim some power. Averi Harper, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025 The United States can now present itself as a global energy provider, although location, logistics, and infrastructure are determinative factors. Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determinative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determinative
Adjective
  • Responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of litigation assignments from case initiation and answer, plus discovery, dispositive motion practice, trial and appeals.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
  • Read More: Why Food Chemicals Are a Problem—And How to Reduce Your Exposure That’s not to say genes are entirely dispositive; having genes associated with the condition does not mean a child will inevitably develop it.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While the town's change is indisputable—and some of this change isn’t great, including environmental destruction and the displacement of residents—there are a handful of properties along Tulum’s famed beach road that still do tourism right.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Simona Granati - Corbis/Getty Images The connection between intellectual property rights, economic competitiveness, and military readiness is indisputable.
    Mircea Geoană, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Smaller tomato plants of the determinate type can add a splash of color while not overtaking the garden space.
    Special to The Denver Post, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The length of the harvest window for slicing tomatoes depends on whether the plant is determinate or indeterminate.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite the discouraging tendency these days to see everything through a political prism, the science itself is incontestable and apolitical: Climate change is caused by human activity, primarily the use fossil fuels, like coal, oil and gas.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Second, combining data from different IoT devices revealed incontestable details of Alex Murdaugh’s activities.
    David Sella-Villa, The Conversation, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • For decades, blue jeans have reigned as the unquestionable staple in wardrobes around the world.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Ownership is clear, authenticity is unquestionable, and counterfeit coins simply cannot exist within the network.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, her impact is undeniable.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The ability of these companies to ratchet back is undeniable.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is one example—despite longstanding beliefs—of an irrefutable truth.
    Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Yet despite how normal these individuals may think their views on vulnerability are, the pain these ideologies can cause is still irrefutable.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Lush greenery in wicker creates a cottage feel Wicker retaining walls add indubitable charm.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The DeSantis announcement is an indubitable win for Musk.
    Scott Nover, Quartz, 24 May 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Determinative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determinative. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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