DEFINITIVE Synonyms: 190 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

definitive

adjective

di-ˈfi-nə-tiv

Definition of definitive next

as in authoritative

being the most accurate and apparently thorough the definitive work on the attack on Pearl Harbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

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 The Hole Truth and Nothing Butt Director/Screenwriter: Tom J Stern, Producers: Derrick Rossi, Neil Fellah Five years in the making, this is the definitive documentary about Austin music legends The Butthole Surfers. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025 The project is still evaluating other potential sites and finalizing definitive agreements. —

Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 22 Jan. 2025 In the absence of final, definitive information about how Balaji died, online speculation gave shape and impetus to a conspiracy theory. —

Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025 Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. —

Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for definitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive

Adjective

Modern viewers have short-attention spans and the ones who still watch broadcast TV still gravitate to an authoritative solo figure who talks to them about politics, natural disasters, overseas drama and even popular culture.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
But this information is not revealed through title cards or authoritative talking heads.

— Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025