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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of definitive
One in which anything or everything always seems to be happening, but nothing definitive ever did?
—
Matthew Specktor, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026
There’s no definitive answer, but cleaning experts have a preference.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026
While there is some correlative evidence for this claim, such as the case of Northwestern University, no definitive link has been found.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
The growing protests show this year will be the definitive moment for change.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
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Her authoritative reporting and industry knowledge help readers and listeners better understand the space and inform critical business decisions.—
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Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.—
Adjective
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No conclusive plan has been formed to either engage in talks with another professional sports team or repurpose the current site of Arrowhead Stadium – though Lucas and LeVota, respectively, said the city and county could explore both in the next five years.—
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While there is no conclusive evidence indicating a best time to drink aloe vera gel for digestive health, consuming it at specific times may support different health goals.—
Adjective
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Without explicit training, civil servants risk assuming that a system that writes like an expert also counts like one.—
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In addition, explicit prohibitions on shooting at vehicles are largely absent from the law, which means that officers responsible for fatal shootings of drivers that appear to violate departmental policies still often escape criminal penalties.—
Adjective
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Look for classic chocolate and vanilla cones, plus cereal milk ice cream and other specialty flavors.—
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Buckter guided her toward a palette where the colors relate to one another in a classic way, the kind that instantly reads as San Francisco.—
Adjective
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Choose decisive steps over a confusing kerfuffle!—
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Tesla shareholders delivered another decisive message through their vote on Tesla’s Texas-style 3% ownership threshold for filing derivative lawsuits.—
Adjective
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The newest, pinkest addition to Orlando Auto Museum was a definite fixer-upper.—
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The designer anticipates a definite shift from floral to geometric motifs, with bold color-blocking techniques that will set the tone in a room.—
Adjective
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An exemplary beef tartare arrived in the second wave.—
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Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University.—
Adjective
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Things became clearer on December 28, when Dreame released teaser images and confirmed that its first car would debut at CES 2026.—
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Iwobi’s movement drags Ladislav Krejci wider, increasing the space between the lines and creating a clear passing angle for Calvin Bassey.—
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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