dispositive

Definition of dispositivenext

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 dispositive In a gerrymandered state like Illinois, primary battles for congressional seats typically are more dispositive than the general election in the fall. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026 However, and most importantly, no one should be deported or kept in custody without a neutral hearing for a dispositive decision to be reached, with legal counsel being made available to represent them. James P. Gray, Oc Register, 1 Nov. 2025 Fitzgerald proposed a schedule that includes filing dispositive motions by October 20 and briefs by November 20. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 That dispositive plan may have comported with husband’s wishes. Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispositive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispositive
Adjective
  • Nothing is ever going to top it except, of course, the thin green coat of algae that Greenwater Solutions—seems nominally determinative, in a bad way—is trying to spritz with nanobubbles.
    Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026
  • For them, flexibility is often valued but not determinative; a return-to-office mandate may be an inconvenience rather than a constraint.
    Subha Barry, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Knowing the difference between determinate or indeterminate tomatoes.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
  • Compassionate release emerged from the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, a statute better known for eliminating parole and ushering in the modern era of determinate sentencing.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • European football returns to Wrexham this week with the size of the task facing the hosts clear on their Women’s Champions League debut.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The calendar is clear now for another global event that the world will be talking about.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • The film, the conclusive ending to the three Heartstopper seasons adapted from Alice Oseman’s graphic novel, is set to follow Charlie (Locke) and Nick (Connor)’s biggest relationship hurdle yet.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
  • There’s no conclusive answer, and that’s something McElwee will have to live with.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispositive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispositive. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster