determinative

Definition of determinativenext

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 Between 1995 and 2010, CCM and its presidential candidates could win determinative vote shares while minimizing costly repression and fraud. Yonatan Morse, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025 But, ultimately, the president would not play a determinative role in interest rate decisions. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2025 But that factor would not be determinative alone. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025 One is determinative, and the architects of that story already know the morality contained in the story, with the objective to lay out a moral system. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determinative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determinative
Adjective
  • In both cases, the parties have until May 17, 2027, to file dispositive motions seeking to resolve each case without a trial.
    Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
  • However, Burke noted that the relationship between Liaw and the current co-founders are relevant, but not determinative or dispositive.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 May 2026
Adjective
  • Betty Parsons’s importance in postwar American art history as a fearless, groundbreaking art dealer is indisputable.
    John Yau, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026
  • That indisputable achievement is what these modern Blue Jays are still searching for.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • In the case of tomatoes, this is true with indeterminate varieties, and less so with determinate varieties that won’t continue growing and producing after harvesting.
    Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2026
  • Pruning is unnecessary because determinate tomatoes only grow to a certain height and then stop producing foliage.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • Funnyman, vulgarian, auteur — Mel Brooks’s imprint on American cinema is incontestable yet scandalously undervalued.
    Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • The mark was federally registered in 2015 and has since achieved incontestable status, a legal designation that strengthens ownership rights.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • His passion for gastronomy and an unquestionable business vision led him to open his first restaurant in Los Angeles.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Mercedes culture has always revolved around there being unquestionable team buy-in and zero finger pointing.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Especially on offense, where Reid’s genius is undeniable but results have stagnated the last few years.
    Vahe Gregorian July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Carter’s talent, production and untapped potential as a 25-year-old, two-time Pro Bowler was undeniable.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Reporting on the Holocaust tested Grossman’s attention to character, replacing the gray zone of Soviet morality with irrefutable villains and victims.
    Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 8 July 2026
  • Organizations that embed deep, scientific inquiry into their commercial DNA can not only disrupt existing markets but also engineer entirely new ones based on the irrefutable laws of physics.
    Alexandra Vidyuk, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • As a result, mathematical truths do not make up a unified whole of equally indubitable truths; instead, their status as knowledge varies gradually from doubtless facts to increasingly uncertain hypotheses.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2026
  • The second route, and the route that makes indubitable sense, entails using the techniques and methods of psychology to gauge the performance of AI.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Determinative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determinative. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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