1
2
3

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 Russell Westbrook bounced back from his decisive blunder against Minnesota by scoring a season-high 30 points and adding 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025 Alfieri preferred to describe the treatment as decisive, and not aggressive, and emphasized that no extraordinary, life-extending measures were ever taken. Colleen Barry and Trisha Thomas, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025 What is decisive in one culture may feel autocratic in another. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Alessia Russo’s double was decisive in setting up a semi against eight-time winners Lyon. Phil Hay, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
  • The letter offers a resolute response to Ballal’s treatment unlike the one signed by Yang and Kramer.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
  • There is plenty of good sense in the EU taking a resolute stand.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nor is there any conclusive evidence on dosing and timing for supplements.
    Sarah Anzlovar, MS, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Stone, as he's done before without providing conclusive evidence, took aim at the Central Intelligence Agency.
    Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Written by Mexican composer José Alfredo Jiménez in 1971, the song gained even greater prominence when Fernández recorded his definitive version two years later.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite Donald Trump‘s growing chokehold on the Kennedy Center, Conan O’Brien was determined to fill the venue with laughs.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Whereas Selena exudes ambition, Pete is inexplicably determined not to advance in his job — which is tricky, since Willie keeps killing his superiors, which means Pete’s bound to become captain eventually, if only by process of elimination.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 3 Apr. 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.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The technology's current limitations suggest that human developers will remain essential for creating compelling, polished game experiences for now.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That could be José Ruiz, who’s never been a regular go-to option in the late innings since arriving in Philly last year.
    Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • At this time last year, five homicides were reported in the city.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Not because technology may disrupt it, but because my own government seems intent on destroying it.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025
  • However, Trump also seemed to remain intent to place tariffs on pharmaceuticals and lumber.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For years, getting travelers to see Athens as more than a transient city would take some convincing; the extent of their stay at the best hotels in Athens would merely include a brief bucket-list visit to the Acropolis before scurrying off to the Greek islands.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Some scammers go all the way to produce convincing looking alternatives to pages for organizations that seem so real, like a courier service.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decisive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!