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 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
  • There are three unbeaten teams (UCLA, LSU and Ohio State), but only the Bruins boast a convincing victory over defending champion South Carolina, the lone loss the Gamecocks have taken in the last two seasons.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
  • This real-time portfolio can be more convincing to potential employers than a static list of accomplishments.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Putin is gambling that Russia can outlast Ukraine, believing that without decisive Western aid, Ukrainian morale and resources will collapse.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Protecting the Future The rise of Red Note demands action—not panic, but thoughtful, decisive measures to safeguard people and democratic principles.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Video Quality: Smooth Footage, With Audio Support The Flip's camera is a strong point, and a compelling enough reason to spend a bit more than DJI's entry-level Neo, which also emphasizes ease of use and features for content creators.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Manson said more and more, people are seeking out aesthetically compelling drinks.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The House passed a bill last year that would have, among other things, required a majority of practicing lawyers on the commission.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025
  • What To Know The East Asian country posted 240,000 births last year, according to preliminary estimates, boosting the country's fertility rate to 0.75 from 0.72 in 2023.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • While each of these players wears different brands ahead of games, one thing is clear: Anigwe, Brooks and other stylists who key in on women in the WNBA have a dedication to their craft that has forced the mainstream media to pay attention.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 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 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!