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
Finally, after more than a month of agony, her allergist diagnosed her with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) — an incurable condition marked by hives that last six weeks or longer, with no definitive cause or trigger.
—
Diane Herbst, People.com, 11 July 2025
No single museum offered a definitive narrative of the junta, the desaparecidos, and the quest for justice.
—Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
To be fair, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is, well, the definitive inside story.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
For many, Shirow is one of the definitive modern manga creators and is also hugely influential.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Diane Herbst, People.com, 11 July 2025
No single museum offered a definitive narrative of the junta, the desaparecidos, and the quest for justice.
—Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
To be fair, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is, well, the definitive inside story.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
For many, Shirow is one of the definitive modern manga creators and is also hugely influential.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
-
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
14 July 2025
-
There’s an authoritative front grille and bumper, and revised rear tail lights.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
The forensic evidence was so conclusive that the case settled for a fraction of the initial demand, saving millions in potential damages.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
So Professor Thackeray, being a smart and thorough scientist, decided to obtain conclusive proof.—
Sam Kelly
July 8,
Literary Hub,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Be The Boss: Give Your AI A Role And Super-Clear Instructions The most effective AI startups treat their LLMs like new, highly capable team members needing explicit direction.—
Pradeep Kumar Muthukamatchi,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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And on Sunday a hacker used Elmo's X account to post explicit remarks on social media against President Donald Trump.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The beverages are plentiful and inexpensive, and the food is standard but fun, classic American fare.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
26 July 2025
-
The West Hollywood 24/7 drive-in has 80 Tesla charging stations and serves classic American diner food — biscuits and gravy, burgers, fries, tuna melts and milkshakes, to name a few of its menu items.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Curiously, the two players who were decisive in last night’s tie, Coll and Bonmati, were the two major issues for Spain in the run-up to and during these Euros.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
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The decisive feature that demonstrates the fossil was likely an early arachnid is the unique organization of the brain -- a reverse of the front-to-back arrangement found in present-day crustaceans, insects, centipedes and horseshoe crabs, the researchers said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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The city offers little in the way of culinary variety — a definite downside for food lovers seeking new and exciting options, according to the study.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
-
This in itself makes a refreshing change from the usual baffling Marvel McGuffin, and even though the outcome is wholly predictable, there’s a definite frisson in the sight of The Herald’s liquid-metal hand trying to snatch Sue’s baby from the womb.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Several cities in Broward already have exemplary public education and recycling programs underway.—
Linda Thompson Gonzalez,
Sun Sentinel,
20 July 2025
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This is a guy who has been a team captain for a long time, exemplary character, all of that.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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But his bet is clear: That in a fractured media world, personality, tone, and trust matter more than legacy or even scale.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Now it's become clear that electric vehicles won’t take over as quickly as expected.—
Stuart Dyos,
The Tennessean,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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