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Synonym Chooser

How is the word definite distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of definite are explicit, express, and specific. While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

When could explicit be used to replace definite?

The meanings of explicit and definite largely overlap; however, explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to definite?

The words express and definite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

When would specific be a good substitute for definite?

While in some cases nearly identical to definite, specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

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 definite Still, the second set also ranked as a definite triumph, as the tunes and graphics found great synergy during the two-hour stretch. Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2025 Outside of anecdotes, there hasn’t been a definite connection made between the string of attacks against Tesla vehicles and facilities and any potential loss of sales. Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025 Your provider may order laboratory tests to make a definite diagnosis. Laura Schober, Health, 7 Mar. 2025 The bottom line: There is still a strong push to regulate tech more strongly in D.C., and some definite throughlines from Biden to Trump on antitrust. Ashley Gold, Axios, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for definite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definite
Adjective
  • None other than Emma Corrin will take on the role of Elizabeth Bennet in the six-part limited series, which actors including Jennifer Ehle and Keira Knightley have perfected in the past.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • McGrady was a series regular on Netflix’s hit limited series The Perfect Couple.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Their strong sense of preparedness and diligence often brings greater discipline to board discussions, prompting more thoughtful questions and more explicit expectations.
    Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Duffy first sought to end the toll in February, declaring that his department had revoked a key federal authorization granted by the Biden administration last year — despite explicit guidelines in the authorization that only the state of New York can reverse it.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the most viral clips from the show often trend for making either the suitor — or the singles — absolute fools online.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Mayor’s ball is an absolute feast for the senses; the black-and-white costumes, the massive number of performers, the layout and possibility of the space.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • On the flipside, global competition for access to finite resources and to dominate the next generation of growth industries—clean energy, grid resilience, electric vehicles, sustainable food solutions—is redrawing supply chains, trade agreements, and geopolitics.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • There is no consensus on a finite list of neurodivergent conditions.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For instance, under both the Biden and Trump administrations, certain tattoos have been seen as near definitive signs of TdA membership.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While Ukraine agreed to all U.S. proposals for an unconditional ceasefire and subsequently agreed to plans for a smaller-scale maritime ceasefire, the Russians laid out last week a series of new demands, including the lifting of some U.S. sanctions.
    Barak Ravid, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Respondents were asked about their perceptions of aspects of the war, including the U.S. proposal for a temporary unconditional ceasefire and the termination of Washington's aid for Ukraine.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • According to someone with direct knowledge, the Heat ideally would like to keep point guard Davion Mitchell, an impending restricted free agent who has thrived in a bench role recently after his February acquisition from Toronto.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
  • If the Bruins re-sign their restricted free agents and leave their prospects in Providence, that gives them with four slots to fill.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The president revealed that the U.S. will place additional tariffs on specific countries, for example China, which have benefited from large trade surpluses with the U.S.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Ryan Coogler brings so much style to this very cool blend of a specific period, genres, and Black culture.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definite. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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