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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 Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre wasted no time in resetting the direction of her campaign for the decisive round of the special election for county supervisor. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 In Greek mythology, Kairos is the personification of opportunity or a decisive moment. Fiona Tapp, Parents, 10 Apr. 2025 Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett were decisive figures in forming the majorities. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025 Given this context, Kenya had to make a decisive choice when war erupted in Sudan. Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive
Adjective
  • Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side In the big-screen adaptation of this true story, Sandra Bullock played Leigh Anne Tuohy, the resolute Southern mother who adopts teen Michael Oher.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Conscientiously addressing a national crisis of domestic abuse while also lunging for the heartstrings, the film is an uneven balance of grainy social realism and crowd-pleasing uplift, but Cruz’s resolute performance just about holds it together.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health concur that there is conclusive evidence that alcohol causes several types of cancer.
    Pranoti Mandrekar, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Anecdotes from such sources are, of course, far from conclusive.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 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
  • Nick, now focused on his role as the heir to his grandfather’s empire, and Noah, just beginning to build her own career, are determined to keep their distance, despite their ​undeniable attraction​ and the past that connects them.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Is this morally corrupt crowd determined to ignore constitutional obligations rather than ever admit a mistake?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 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
  • Mark Vientos, who had a breakout season last year, has also struggled to hit, and especially hitting with runners on base.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • That could be José Ruiz, who’s never been a regular go-to option in the late innings since arriving in Philly last year.
    Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Evolving Search Referring to Google user intent programming, Srinivas talked about how search is a fundamental service, and what that has meant for the industry.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Democrats were intent on making the effort as politically painful as possible, with action on some two dozen amendments to the package that GOP senators will have to defend before next year’s midterm elections.
    Time, Time, 5 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
  • In the end, the most convincing case for learning to love fission may be the grimmest—not so much green as dark green.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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