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 Indeed, China's state media hailed this month's trade talks in Switzerland as a decisive victory that had fully justified the decision to retaliate rather than immediately renegotiate. John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 The second inning would prove to be the decisive stretch for TCU. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025 Great eight: Slot picks decisive moments of Liverpool title win (Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton) Arne Slot is an inscrutable guy. Phil Hay, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Manchester Valley girls lacrosse finished off a perfect season with a decisive victory over Glenelg in the Class 2A state championship game. Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
  • Armstrong is less resolute, however, when asked how much President Trump’s election to a second term affected his sense of urgency.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 30 May 2025
  • Xi’s government has portrayed itself as a resolute defender of the Chinese nation and mocked its opponent.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • While another research review published this year in Nutrients says the research for athletic benefits in women isn’t yet conclusive, there are also reasons to suspect women may benefit from creatine at least as much as men, if not more, both inside and outside the gym, Dr. Smith-Ryan says.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 May 2025
  • Though home blood pressure monitors are effective, a healthcare provider can provide more accurate and conclusive results.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The president is determined to get something done here.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 20 May 2025
  • The conservative view Many conservatives are determined to repeal or at least delay and dilute most of the clean energy breaks.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • If one looks at government yields since the end of last year, a different picture emerges.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • On hand are four paranormal investigators intent to solve the mysterious disappearance of a family from a manor where something otherworldly has taken place.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Congress hasn’t so much been defeated as surrendered, one majority at a time — and Trump is intent on taking all the spoils won by his predecessors’ 50-year siege.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisive. Accessed 4 Jun. 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!