definitive

adjective

di-ˈfi-nə-tiv How to pronounce definitive (audio)
Definition of definitivenext
1
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough the definitive work on the attack on Pearl Harbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in conclusive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning a definitive answer that put an immediate end to the discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning the insurance company's definitive statement on the types of surgical operations that are covered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade is often cited as the definitive hard-boiled private detective

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of definitive are conclusive, decisive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When is it sensible to use conclusive instead of definitive?

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

conclusive evidence

When is decisive a more appropriate choice than definitive?

The synonyms decisive and definitive are sometimes interchangeable, but decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When can determinative be used instead of definitive?

The meanings of determinative and definitive 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 definitive Interview among evidence in codefendant’s trial In the Nixon-Clark trial, the law enforcement theory on motive was more definitive. —Emerson Clarridge updated February 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026 Other than that, my exposure to it has been that the definitive versions of the song have been Ray Charles and Whitney Houston, and those versions can’t be touched. —Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026 The reporter behind the piece and author of a definitive book about chiefs of staff, Chris Whipple, is sharing his theories. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 Of course, this isn’t definitive. —Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
  1. authoritative
  2. conclusive
  3. explicit
  4. classic
  5. decisive
  6. definite
  7. exemplary
  8. clear
Adjective
  • My thinking ultimately derived from my response to Slate and NPR’s new Black film canon project, which was an authoritative list of 50 films.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Duah’s authoritative finish in the 68th minute stood as the largest goal of the two matches.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • On the other hand, research on how strongly protein, red meat, saturated fat and dairy are linked with chronic disease risk is much less conclusive.
    — Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Florida law makes grand jury proceedings secret, so the silence isn’t conclusive.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of conclusive
Adjective
  • While the researchers don’t know for sure why speed training showed a benefit while the other forms did not, one possibility lies in the difference between implicit and explicit learning.
    — Akshay Syal, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Wuthering Heights has the tunnel-vision horniness and girlish aesthetic sensibility of a high-school freshman who’s been assigned to read Brontë in class while tearing through a pile of explicit bodice-rippers under the covers at home.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of explicit
Adjective
  • Founder Dee Elms is known for her ability to blend modern and classic elements in distinctive designs that honor and celebrate the storied architecture of each home.
    — Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In addition, diners can enjoy not only classic margaritas but also cold martinis and other classics.
    — Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that Khamenei remains the decisive figure in Iran’s system even as the regime faces pressure at home and abroad.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Iran’s military has warned that any attack would be met with an immediate and decisive response, including strikes on US forces and assets in the region.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of decisive
Adjective
  • Currently, Scream 7 is great with the 17-34 bunch and multicultural audiences across definite interest and first choice.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
  • There's a definite need to take a look at systemic safety on our roadways.
    — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of definite
Adjective
  • In addition to competitive awards, the DGA presented two special service honors recognizing exemplary contributions to the guild and the industry.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The restaurant also makes an exemplary version of hong mi chang, with sheets of red rice noodle rolled around youtiao that have been filled with shrimp paste.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • McDonald said a clear motive was not identified, nor was a specific target.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Earlier this week, after lawmakers said the names of several high-profile figures had been concealed in the documents without clear legal reasons, the department also moved to un-redact more than a dozen additional names.
    — Connor Greene, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of clear

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definitive
definitively
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Cite this Entry

“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of definitive for Spanish Speakers

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