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
But those expecting a definitive ending probably shouldn’t.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2025
Questlove’s book is not, as the publisher claims, a definitive history.
—A.d. Carson, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
The ending is both satisfying and not altogether definitive.
—Sarah Lyall, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Technologies can provide a secure record of transactions and other methodologies offer definitive origin verification.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2025
Questlove’s book is not, as the publisher claims, a definitive history.
—A.d. Carson, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
The ending is both satisfying and not altogether definitive.
—Sarah Lyall, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Technologies can provide a secure record of transactions and other methodologies offer definitive origin verification.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
Leadership is often associated with grand speeches, authoritative presence and a commanding voice.—
Mohammad Bahareth,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
There are lots of ways to be an authoritative parent, which can leave moms and dads (but mostly moms) feeling rudderless.—
Gail Cornwall,
The Atlantic,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Nor is there any conclusive evidence on dosing and timing for supplements.—
Sarah Anzlovar, MS,
Verywell Health,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Stone, as he's done before without providing conclusive evidence, took aim at the Central Intelligence Agency.—
Lalee Ibssa,
ABC News,
1 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
-
When the restaurant originally opened, the menu was largely classic Bordeaux-style food.—
Valentina Di Donato,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
While those sound like classic ingredients to some, other sweets enthusiasts claim raisins have no place in the springtime treat.—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Under no pressure, Robinson is able to find Iwobi’s run behind the defence, and this attack leads to the corner from which Fulham scored their decisive third goal.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
-
And the notion that the administration’s allies in Silicon Valley can quickly produce large numbers of nimble, affordable, and lethal next generation weapons that will give America a decisive edge should be treated with a large grain of salt.—
William Hartung,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But there are definite positives for Tsunoda to take before going to Bahrain next week.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
-
While some bags can go in the washer, the dryer is a definite no-go for bags unless they're made of 100% cotton.—
Katelyn Squiers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Nicholas Bear Bade, who are both transgender males, have exemplary service records, the judge wrote.—
Bart Jansen,
USA TODAY,
24 Mar. 2025
-
These exemplary representatives of Gen Z offer hope for a post-climate future for occasionally dejected Gen-Xers like me.—
Erik Kobayashi-Solomon,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
With these women having formidable 400-meter performances, there was no clear sign of who would reign victorious.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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But new research suggests zeroing in on your daily heart rate and step count—and taking an extra second to crunch those numbers—could provide a clearer view into your cardiovascular health.—
Cathy Cassata,
Health,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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