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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of decisive are conclusive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When is conclusive a more appropriate choice than decisive?

In some situations, the words conclusive and decisive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When can definitive be used instead of decisive?

The words definitive and decisive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When is it sensible to use determinative instead of decisive?

The meanings of determinative and decisive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

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 decisive In response, the agency is making subtle but decisive moves. Peter Cummings, Scientific American, 3 June 2025 Then the Panthers kept them off the score sheet in the decisive Game 7. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025 Lawson will play Sarah Silver, the strong willed and decisive Superintendent in the Boston Police Department who is Lena’s stepsister. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 June 2025 There’s a decisive and direct nature to his game that should translate to the NHL. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
  • Coupling calmness with resolute silence can be masterful.
    John Baldoni, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • But as the match progressed, Djokovic – who turned 38 on Thursday – showed the kind of resolute determination which appeared to have deserted him of late, breaking Hurkacz four times in a tiebreak after each player had held serve throughout the second set.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • There’s little conclusive evidence yet that creatine boosts cognition.
    Staff Author Published, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025
  • While some research in animals and human cells suggests glyphosate may cause DNA damage and atrazine could mess with hormones, there isn’t currently any conclusive evidence of harm in people based on how we’re being exposed (including in relation to cumulative risk).
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Often hailed as the definitive screen version, this series perfectly captured the turning point in Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s romance and brought to life the very estate many imagined from the novel’s descriptions.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • This could be the reason that Republicans seem determined to give them a tax cut.
    Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
  • His interest in the appraisals made by determined minds informed every issue of Lapham’s Quarterly.
    Donovan Hohn June 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 8 June 2025
  • From its Greek founding to its Roman take-over, its thousands of meters of stone blocks, column and tiles tell a compelling story of families and empires rising and falling.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The countries expelled each other’s top diplomats last year over the killing of a Sikh Canadian activist in Canada and allegations of other crimes.
    Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • Musk first announced his support for Trump shortly after the then-candidate was nearly assassinated on stage at a Pennsylvania rally last July.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • David Becker | Getty Images News | Getty Images BEIJING — Chinese companies are so intent on global expansion that even the biggest stock offering to date on Shanghai’s tech-heavy STAR board counts the U.S. as one of its biggest markets, on par with China.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 12 June 2025
  • Animals displaying human behaviors are often the stuff of fables, intent on communicating moral lessons.
    Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The White Sox snapped their KC losing streak Friday and followed with a convincing 4-1 win on Saturday.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2025
  • For example, the models may produce convincing but incorrect summaries or analyses of sensitive data, creating risks when accuracy is critical for national security decisions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decisive

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