Synonym Chooser

How is the word conclusive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of conclusive are decisive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When would decisive be a good substitute for conclusive?

The words decisive and conclusive can be used in similar contexts, but decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When could definitive be used to replace conclusive?

The meanings of definitive and conclusive largely overlap; however, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When might determinative be a better fit than conclusive?

While in some cases nearly identical to conclusive, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

Examples 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 conclusive But a conclusive graviton detection would prove that gravity comes in the form of quantum particles, just like electromagnetism and the other fundamental forces. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024 The official stressed the State Department hasn't reached any decisions or conclusive findings yet about the unit. Barak Ravid, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024 Although this is a common right-wing talking point, there is no conclusive evidence in favor of banning trans women and girls from women’s sports, per a 2021 study. James Factora, Them, 4 Nov. 2024 The conclusive scene was shot in Tom Bombadil’s house — a set that was about to be taken down prior to the end of production. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conclusive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • Nearly 35 years on from his release, Channel 4 has made a definitive documentary series charting Nelson Mandela‘s journey.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Now comes the hard part: taking definitive, concrete steps to strengthen those practices and mitigate those risks in the face of disparate regulatory frameworks in the regional, country and state jurisdictions within the organization’s operating footprint.
    Jim DeLoach, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The convincing win last month in Vancouver feels like a long time ago.
    Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • And the Grizzlies stayed red-hot, walking away with a convincing 135-119 victory to extend their win streak to four games.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This compares with other forecasts for about 4%, in a decisive break with a longtime practice of capping it at 3% in the past.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 13 Dec. 2024
  • While such estimates are not definitive, the campaign doubtlessly inflicted a significant, if not decisive, blow against Hezbollah’s strategic arsenal.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • And perhaps that’s what makes this message from Dr. Daniel Crosby so compelling— these three words matter so much within the context of our personal and financial growth because these aren’t just three nice ideas that give us a momentary sense of pleasure.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • One of the most compelling ways to infuse a bedroom with character is to be fearless when trying new trends.
    Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Kylian Mbappe was just starting to find his feet with fantastic strikes against Girona and Atalanta in his last two matches.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • New Canaan beat Darien last year for the Class L championship and on Thanksgiving Day, New Canaan beat the Blue Wave again, 34-0.
    Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • Even after the Guardians’ second deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the motivation to purge Giménez’s remaining $96.5 million was clear.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Assad was swept from power by a lightning-quick rebel offensive after a 13-year civil war and six decades of his family’s autocratic rule, and the opulent trappings of a regime that inflicted terror and poverty on Syria's people are now clear for all to see.
    Richard Engel, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Of course, the frequency of the interactions is not determinative: after all, white slaveholders in the United States constantly interacted with their black slaves.
    Graham K. Brown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Mar. 2015
  • That’s one of the reasons that some are arguing today that costs of running credit scores somehow plays a determinative role in driving prices up.
    Paul Weinstein Jr., Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near conclusive

Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

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