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 The results were conclusive: More than two-thirds (69%) of seniors felt lonely a majority of the time (50% of the time or more) before moving into a senior living community. Sara Zeff Geber, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 While some research has suggested a link between certain dyes and an increase in hyperactivity and moodiness or irritability in children, the evidence still isn’t conclusive, which may explain why the FDA is taking so long, Nestle said. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 23 Mar. 2025 Context: Musk has claimed, without conclusive evidence, that the Social Security system is plagued with fraud. April Rubin, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025 Yet as Gee points out, to date, there are still only suppositions, rather than conclusive evidence about why hominins made the transition to a bipedal lifestyle. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
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
  • For years, getting travelers to see Athens as more than a transient city would take some convincing; the extent of their stay at the best hotels in Athens would merely include a brief bucket-list visit to the Acropolis before scurrying off to the Greek islands.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Some scammers go all the way to produce convincing looking alternatives to pages for organizations that seem so real, like a courier service.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Following his loss of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40, a clean and decisive victory in this non-title main event would be crucial in reestablishing Reigns' aura of invincibility.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Overall, this brief season feels largely transitional, as if its seven episodes were focused on carefully repurposing and maneuvering the plot toward what could be a decisive season 3.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 Apr. 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The technology's current limitations suggest that human developers will remain essential for creating compelling, polished game experiences for now.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the Journal, Ford last year shipped about 5,500 Broncos, F-150s, Mustangs and Navigators to China.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Anything less would be another painful letdown after Messi and Miami were eliminated by Atlanta United in the opening round of last year’s MLS playoffs.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • The pattern is clear, and the list of terminations is growing.
    Angel Algarin, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The email should be approximately 250 words, maintain a confident but not technical tone, emphasize the business benefits rather than technical specifications, and include a clear call to action for scheduling a demo.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Democratic response or lack thereof to Republicans and the Trump agenda will be determinative of voters' enthusiasm to turn out for them in the coming midterm year -- their next big hope to reclaim some power.
    Averi Harper, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Writing for the majority, Sotomayor said the jury's assessment of Sneed's credibility was determinative.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

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!