Synonym Chooser

How is the word conclusive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of conclusive are decisive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When would decisive be a good substitute for conclusive?

The words decisive and conclusive can be used in similar contexts, but decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When could definitive be used to replace conclusive?

The meanings of definitive and conclusive largely overlap; however, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When might determinative be a better fit than conclusive?

While in some cases nearly identical to conclusive, 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 conclusive Nobody found conclusive proof of the expedition’s fate. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025 In my experience, setting specific objectives and clearly outlining the scope and key questions ensures that every step—from data collection and analysis to comprehensive documentation and conclusive reporting—is accountable and traceable. Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 When a game is defined by its absence of aesthetics, the rare haymakers thrown by either team can feel twice as conclusive. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for conclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • Performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), this definitive anthem of space and sci-fi will be transmitted towards NASA's Voyager 1 probe by ESA's 35-meter Deep Space Antenna in Cebreros, Spain.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 May 2025
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • These messages are far more convincing than the sloppy scams of the past.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
  • If their impressive durability isn’t convincing enough to add them to your virtual cart, the set’s 6,000-plus five-star ratings should be.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • This is not a rivalry that fans will be talking about 10 years from now, but after Priest’s decisive and somewhat surprising victory at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, both Priest and McIntyre are still strongly positioned as cornerstones of the main event picture.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 May 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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Jackie Fields, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • This $150 price drop is a pretty compelling reason to pick one up, whether for yourself or for a grad in your life.
    & John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Suarez, who was a finalist for the Golden Boot trophy last year with 20 goals, is in a scoring slump this season.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 May 2025
  • Derrick Groves, convicted last year for second-degree murder, remains on the loose and has led two prosecutors to flee the state for fear of reprisals.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • Just clear structure, early accountability and transparent expectations.
    Ryan Hohman, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • However the trade war ends, the message from American industry is clear: there can be no going back to the pre-Trump U.S.-China economic relationship.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Another determinative variable would be how quickly rival countries will seize the opportunity to attract disillusioned investors with favorable tax regimes and strategic incentives.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Although the regulation explicitly states that no one factor is determinative, the case law tells a somewhat different story.
    Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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