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 consumer goods company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Touchland brand for $700 million, consisting of cash and Church & Dwight stock, and a payment of up to $180 million contingent on the achievement of Touchland’s 2025 net sales.
—
Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 12 May 2025
Although no definitive starter has been established from spring camp, there is considerable potential within the group.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Another loose thread the writers had toyed with for years before weaving it into the final season was a romantic storyline for paterfamilias Eli (John Goodman) in a definitive act of moving on.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025
On the Devers question, Breslow didn’t rule it out, but Cora was less definitive.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 12 May 2025
Although no definitive starter has been established from spring camp, there is considerable potential within the group.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Another loose thread the writers had toyed with for years before weaving it into the final season was a romantic storyline for paterfamilias Eli (John Goodman) in a definitive act of moving on.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025
On the Devers question, Breslow didn’t rule it out, but Cora was less definitive.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
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Sharing these private details will be challenging, since authoritative Saturn and confusing Neptune will corner the sun over the next few days.—
Liz Simmons,
StyleCaster,
27 May 2025
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One 2022 study found that children raised with an authoritative parenting style were more likely to achieve academically.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Perhaps the most conclusive evidence assembled has been the 800 page report and interactive digital platform by experts at Forensic Architecture.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
15 May 2025
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The filmmakers are never conclusive about Enzo’s burgeoning sexuality nor his plans for the future, and that’s clearly by design.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Observers couldn’t quite tell what the explicit target was—American movies filmed overseas?—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
17 May 2025
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And regardless of whether explicit guidance is in place, employers still need to address gender identity conflicts in the workplace, according to Tiffany Stacy, an Ogletree Deakins attorney in San Antonio who defends employers against claims of workplace discrimination.—
Claire Savage,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Practice makes perfect, and this recipe is a perfect place to start—follow our tips and tricks for making this classic Italian dish.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
27 May 2025
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The 1948 Ferrari Spyder Corsa had competed in the classic Mille Miglia and Targa Florio road races in period, and had remained in the same family since new until being sold at the auction, which was part of the Concorso d’Eleganza at Hotel Villa d’Este.—
Michael Taylor,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Rookies Willie MacIver and Logan Davidson drove in three of the A’s five runs, with Davidson scoring the tying run during a decisive eighth inning rally before MacIver’s RBI-single scored the go-ahead run.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
26 May 2025
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What sets a good doctor apart is judgment — the ability to navigate uncertainty, synthesize complex data and make decisive, accurate choices.—
Eric Snoey,
Twin Cities,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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There’s a definite purity-politics flavor to any suggestion that people should take a moral stand and leave a social network, but also a pretty airtight case to be made for boycotting it.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
23 May 2025
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In unaided awareness, total awareness, definite interest, Final Reckoning is ahead of 2023’s Dead Reckoning which did $54.6M over three days in what was a $78.4M five-day total.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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The game’s first power play went Minnesota’s way, and the Frost kept Ottawa hemmed in for much of the two minutes, but managed only one shot on Phillips, as the Charge did exemplary work clogging the net-front and blocking shots.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2025
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The award, sponsored by Chick-Fil-A, recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and character.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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What exactly the Shoreline plan would replace is not entirely clear.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
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Just clear structure, early accountability and transparent expectations.—
Ryan Hohman,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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