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
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Recent Examples of definitive
The succession race has become narrower, but no more definitive.
—
Ruth Umoh,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
The book counters the modern obsession with algorithms and AI, arguing that the definitive differentiator in any successful modernization effort is organizational culture, psychological safety and human capability rather than the technology itself.
—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
Commins is working on a more definitive test for alpha-gal syndrome.
—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
According to the companies, feasibility work is expected to begin immediately, with additional phase-one activities planned for later in 2026, subject to future definitive agreements.
—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Ruth Umoh,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
The book counters the modern obsession with algorithms and AI, arguing that the definitive differentiator in any successful modernization effort is organizational culture, psychological safety and human capability rather than the technology itself.
—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
Commins is working on a more definitive test for alpha-gal syndrome.
—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
According to the companies, feasibility work is expected to begin immediately, with additional phase-one activities planned for later in 2026, subject to future definitive agreements.
—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
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By separating address grouping, attribution, and operator, the proposal addresses a weakness that has long existed in blockchain analytics; confidence can be mistaken for proof especially given the lack of authoritative auditing standards.
-
Your 10th House of Career and Status gets a quiet lift from the Moon, which trines authoritative Saturn in your 2nd House of Finances.
Adjective
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That kind of research is less conclusive than clinical trials that follow subjects over time to create new and theoretically more reliable data that can do more to prove cause and effect.
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But, again, is acting out of expediency and the desire to streamline a conclusive end the same as delivering a final season representing the best of The Bear?
Adjective
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There is no more explicit example of the vulnerability of American democracy, and of the magnitude of the task of repairing it once it is breached.
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The real toxicity concern, per The New Republic‘s review of contractor materials, confirming previous reporting from Meidas News, lies in the epoxy resin used for the pool’s new lining, which carries explicit long-term aquatic toxicity warnings.
Adjective
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Below are nine recipes featured in the special, offering everything from classic barbecue favorites to regional dishes inspired by communities across the country.
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Here, instead of the mustard that’s included in many classic potato salad recipes, sour cream, vinegar, and briny pickles team up to lend a lovely amount of tartness to cut through the richness of the potatoes, eggs, and mayo.
Adjective
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If there is no fundamental change in the Iranian leadership’s rhetoric and policy, the United States must begin preparing, alongside its partners, for a more decisive phase of wartime policymaking.
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In the first decisive victory of this tournament’s knockout stage, France dominated Sweden Tuesday with a 3-0 win that guaranteed the French another match this week.
Adjective
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Overall definite recommend on Screen Engine and Rentrak’s Postmark audience exits was 52%, versus Superman at 74%.
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Elements like paint, lighting, furniture, and decor are definite opportunities to have a little more fun with trends without worrying about longer-term ramifications.
Adjective
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Supporters cite her exemplary conduct and family separation, while critics emphasize strict penalties for white-collar crime.
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The state specifies that exemplary damages are capped at the greater of either $200,000 or two times the amount of economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages, not to exceed $750,000.
Adjective
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McLeese said each guest in the restricted area is allowed only one clear bag no larger than a gallon, or a small clutch purse.
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There appears to be no clear association between these two lists, although the contaminant list is supposed to inform the monitoring list.
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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