decisive

adjective

de·​ci·​sive di-ˈsī-siv 

1

: having the power or quality of deciding

The council president cast the decisive vote.

a decisive battle

2

: resolute, determined

a decisive manner

decisive leaders

a decisive editor

3

: unmistakable, unquestionable

a decisive superiority

decisively adverb

decisiveness noun

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• determined
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

Choose the Right Synonym for decisive

conclusive, decisive, determinative, definitive mean bringing to an end.

conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

Examples of decisive in a Sentence

You must be decisive and persistent to succeed in this competitive field.

I stood there wondering what to do, but my sister was more decisive and immediately went to the phone.

The fight ended with a decisive blow.

the decisive battle of the war

The poverty of his childhood played a decisive role in his adult life.

The meeting is seen as a decisive step toward a peace treaty.

Recent Examples on the Web

The value of assets tied to Donald Trump — and those likely to benefit under his administration — surged in the wake of his decisive electoral victory on Tuesday. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024

If the polls are accurate, then just a relatively small handful of votes could play a decisive role in who emerges victorious. —Joe Edwards, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Both parties are preparing to challenge ballots, especially if mail-in or absentee votes are decisive in swing states, raising the possibility of prolonged court fights. —Mike Allen, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

In recent weeks, Musk has held town halls across the state, touting its potentially decisive role in the outcome. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French decisif, borrowed from Medieval Latin dēcīsīvus, from Latin dēcīsus, past participle of dēcīdere "to cut off, cut out, mark by cutting, settle, choose as a course of action" + -īvus -ive — more at decide

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing decisive

• decisive action
• decisive/deciding/determining factor

Kids Definition

decisive

adjective

de·​ci·​sive di-ˈsī-siv 

1

: having the power to decide

the decisive vote

2

: unmistakable, unquestionable

a decisive victory

3

: marked by or showing decision

a decisive manner

decisively adverb

decisiveness noun