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Synonym Chooser

How is the word definite distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of definite are explicit, express, and specific. While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

When could explicit be used to replace definite?

The meanings of explicit and definite largely overlap; however, explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to definite?

The words express and definite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

When would specific be a good substitute for definite?

While in some cases nearly identical to definite, specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

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 definite McCartney played the song Tuesday – a definite rarity – from behind his piano, with horns adding texture, Rusty Anderson handling the slide guitar solo and the band faithfully re-creating the harmonies from the recording. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025 Low-temperature whites were yellowish and warm, while high-temp whites had a definite blueish hue and were much more brilliant. PCMAG, 15 Feb. 2025 There has been a definite shift in mentality; Newcastle are no longer intimidated by these quality teams — or their own history. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 Another definite guest artist on the Weeknd’s last album is legendary Lord of Synth Giorgio Moroder. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for definite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definite
Adjective
  • Thousands of schools have been damaged or destroyed, and many students struggle to keep up due to displacement, unsafe learning environments, limited access to technology and the psychological toll of war.
    Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • At long last, the movie recently received an extremely limited U.S. theatrical run and is now available on digital platforms.
    Joe Leydon, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Zelenskyy had been pressing the White House for explicit security guarantees, to no avail.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Being explicit and deliberate in communicating timely health advice is critical, particularly during a deadly disease outbreak.
    Omer Awan, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • At just 99 million base pairs, its DNA has been stripped down to the absolute essentials.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Second, demand that any agreement include the return of kidnapped children and prisoners, as well as absolute security guarantees.
    Claude Malhuret, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps, when resources and time are finite, trying and failing—or simply taking too long—could be worse than not trying at all.
    Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The latter is a valid concern as gold is a finite resource and peak gold — the date at which maximum gold extraction has occurred — is a future reality.
    Nathan Mahr, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • According to multiple reputable sources, including Reuters, CoinDesk, Economic Times and Bloomberg, these influential voices are: Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Alamo Lamar, March 7, 3 p.m. Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror From humble origins as a London fringe theater play to its meteoric rise, fall and resurrection as the biggest cult film of all time, this is the definitive story of the Rocky Horror Show.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ariès argued that children didn’t emerge as a focus of unconditional love until the 17th century.
    Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Families are unconditional, but workplaces have performance expectations and turnover.
    Melissa Daimler, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Long snapper Mitchell Fraboni is a restricted free agent.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Their restricted free agents include defensive tackle Chris Williams and offensive lineman Doug Kramer.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Owners of specific The Sims 4 expansions are getting extra interactions with the burglar, too.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
  • These ratings don't break down precisely when people are tuning in or specific listener demographics.
    Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definite. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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