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
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
However, the report could not provide a definitive return on investment for specific routes, in part because federal funding for the project was recently withdrawn.
—
Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
The definitive statements serve as an unabashed outlier among the catalogue of budget scores, growth forecasts and macroeconomic analyses produced since House Republicans passed their version of Trump’s agenda by the narrowest of margins.
—Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
The blood test is not meant to replace the colonoscopy, however, which is still required as part of a definitive diagnosis, and neither the American Cancer Society nor the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has endorsed Shield as a form of cancer screening.
—Liz Szabo, NBC news, 1 June 2025
Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), this definitive anthem of space and sci-fi will be transmitted towards NASA's Voyager 1 probe by ESA's 35-meter Deep Space Antenna in Cebreros, Spain.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
The definitive statements serve as an unabashed outlier among the catalogue of budget scores, growth forecasts and macroeconomic analyses produced since House Republicans passed their version of Trump’s agenda by the narrowest of margins.
—Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
The blood test is not meant to replace the colonoscopy, however, which is still required as part of a definitive diagnosis, and neither the American Cancer Society nor the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has endorsed Shield as a form of cancer screening.
—Liz Szabo, NBC news, 1 June 2025
Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), this definitive anthem of space and sci-fi will be transmitted towards NASA's Voyager 1 probe by ESA's 35-meter Deep Space Antenna in Cebreros, Spain.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
The most authoritative research on the risk to California was conducted in 2015, but little has changed in the past decade.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
-
In fact, their literature review suggests that many dog owners naturally fall into parenting patterns that largely mirror those of actual parents: permissive, authoritarian or authoritative.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
6 June 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
-
The study exposed fundamental limitations in exact computation, revealing that these systems fail to use explicit algorithms and reason inconsistently across similar puzzles.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Other insiders agreed, but argued permitting reform and more explicit federal support will be needed first.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
And of course classic strawberry shortcake, strawberry pound cake, and many more fresh dishes.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
-
An exciting twist on classic Star Trek, Season 3 takes characters both new and beloved to new heights, and dives into thrilling adventures of faith, duty, romance, comedy, and mystery, with varying genres never before seen on any other Star Trek.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
In the decisive third set, Sabalenka double-faulted to give Gauff a break for 2-1. Gauff led 3-1 and had break points for 4-1 but Sabalenka held and then broke for 3-all.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
The next debate, in which the top-performing candidates face off, may prove to be more decisive.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Fillers have gone before town officials this past spring to present a concept plan to the Cedar Lake Planning Commission, which included restoring the chapel to be in use, but no definite decisions have been made.—
Anna Ortiz,
Chicago Tribune,
31 May 2025
-
More Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images While there are definite reasons for Indiana fans to be nervous, Haliburton is motivated to make sure the Pacers do not drop Game 6 at home.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Shawn Colvin and Rodney Crowell Two exemplary singer/songwriters known for deeply emotional lyrics join up on June 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2025
-
Flynn, who is married, also asked for the detective’s underwear, according to the suit, promising her a Commander’s Day — a day off that a supervisor can grant to an underling for exemplary police work, such as a good arrest.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
Then three, and still there was no clear timeline for Zimmer’s departure.—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2025
-
The clear, neutral spirit has dominated American liquor sales for decades, far surpassing whiskey, which once enjoyed an unchallenged status as the nation's preferred spirit.—
Time,
Time,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share