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

Example 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 despite the bureau's efforts, there has been little in the way of specific identifying details uncovered about the pipe bomber, including a conclusive answer on the gender of the suspect. Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2025 Though 2024 didn't deliver a more conclusive answer to this mystery than any of the 25 years before it, a significant chink has appeared in the armor of dark energy, a tantalizing hint that could put scientists on the right path to solving this pressing cosmological puzzle. Robert Lea, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2024 To answer a question some still may have after the seemingly conclusive finale of Arcane season 2, no, there is not going to be a season 3. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 However, as of now, there is no conclusive proof that Tabatabai is responsible for the leak, something the Pentagon has denied as well. Saul Mangel, Orange County Register, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conclusive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • Given that on landing its rotors broke off, that's a pretty definitive conclusion.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Though, tripling a guy’s salary and paying him seven figures is certainly a convincing place to start.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Proxy battles don’t bring trophies, but for Kyle Shanahan, Robert Saleh, John Lynch, and the Niners, the Eagles and Chiefs winning provides a convincing argument that San Francisco isn’t far away from contending again.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Seahawks scored a decisive 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos to claim the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.
    Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Jeff Buckley’s life started with both an act of embrace and a decisive abandonment.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Gates offers an incredibly compelling premise, shedding light on the scale of military propaganda in the United States, but in taking on so much, her film ends up not saying enough.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Miami Herald Linda Robertson has written about a variety of compelling subjects during an award-winning career.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • His last image shared was also a snapshot captured at the Florida golf course.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Inflation has caused these totals to increase by 2.5% since last year.
    Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Jan. 2025
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
  • What the possibly dirty text messages involving Hutchinson might say or who sent them isn’t clear.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The reason why extra body weight might be linked to cancer risk isn’t super clear, and a few things might be in play.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Former manufacturing towns are unpredictable and could be the most determinative places in the state.
    Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2024
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near conclusive

Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

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