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

The Cornell research found cycle thresholds, or Ct levels, higher than 35 in the sample, which indicates low viral levels; typically, experts look for levels under 20 as conclusive evidence that the virus is circulating. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025

No conclusive proof that Musk is Dittmann appears to have emerged. —David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

However, more research on a larger group is necessary to provide more conclusive evidence.9 8. —Jay N. Yepuri, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024

Amnesty International just published conclusive evidence that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and continues to do so. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 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