conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

1

: of, relating to, or being a conclusion

2

: putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of irrefutability

The results were not conclusive.

conclusively adverb

conclusiveness noun

Synonyms

• absolute
• clear
• deciding
• decisive
• definitive
• last

Choose the Right Synonym for conclusive

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 conclusive in a Sentence

the archeological discovery was conclusive proof that the Vikings had indeed settled in North America around 1000 A.D.

a conclusive argument for allowing the students to put on a play of their own choosing

Recent Examples on the Web

That isn’t exactly conclusive evidence, but there’s also the fact that Taylor herself mocked fan theories about it. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2024

In their defense, Democrats are quick to point out voter registration trends are not conclusive. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024

But their white eye patch is smaller than is typical of type A. DNA testing would provide conclusive evidence, but samples for such an analysis are hard to retrieve. —Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024

Without conclusive data, the coalition wants the city to preserve more land for the tree by cutting back on the light industrial buildings and business park planned in its vicinty. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see conclude

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

: decisive sense 1, convincing

conclusive proof

conclusively adverb

conclusiveness noun

Legal Definition

conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive

1

: of, relating to, or being a conclusion

2

: putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of inability to be refuted

conclusively adverb

conclusiveness noun