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 Though the flimsiness of the threat was widely noted, the issue was not dispositive. — Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 2 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for dispositive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispositive
Adjective
  • At the end of the day, elite talent — such as the Oilers possess in McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard — is what is determinative in the NHL.
    — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The order of the presidential calendar is consequential, but far from determinative.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The data is verbal material for the identification of something more determinate that never quite arrives.
    — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Fly Now might be the poster for an artform conceived of as a vehicle for transport in and out of the realm of determinate meaning.
    — Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Congress should fund that capacity and require clear schedules for resolving interrupted awards and disbursing recovery support.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Let’s also be clear, Kristen, that securing our border is still popular with the American people.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Bailey’s findings are compelling but shouldn’t be considered conclusive, cautions Richard Blakemore, maritime history professor at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom who also wasn’t involved with Bailey’s work.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The evidence is intriguing but not conclusive, historians caution; Jones was a common name, and the records do not definitively establish his role.
    — Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dispositive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispositive. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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