DECISIVE Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'decisive' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of decisive are conclusive , definitive , and determinative . While all these words mean "bringing to an end," decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty. // a decisive battle

Q: When is 'conclusive' a more appropriate choice than 'decisive'?

In some situations, the words conclusive and decisive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning. // conclusive evidence

Q: When can 'definitive' be used instead of 'decisive'?

The words definitive and decisive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent. // the definitive biography

Q: When is it sensible to use 'determinative' instead of 'decisive'?

The meanings of determinative and decisive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction. // the determinative factor in the court's decision

decisive

adjective

di-ˈsī-siv

Definition of decisive next

as in resolute

fully committed to achieving a goal only a team with a decisive attitude is going to win a state championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conclusive

having the power to persuade a lawyer who knows how to construct the kind of decisive argument that sways a jury

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in definitive

serving to put an end to all debate or questioning the decisive finding of the coroner regarding the cause of death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of decisive are conclusive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When is conclusive a more appropriate choice than decisive?

In some situations, the words conclusive and decisive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When can definitive be used instead of decisive?

The words definitive and decisive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When is it sensible to use determinative instead of decisive?

The meanings of determinative and decisive largely overlap; however, 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 decisive Sign up March The veteran left-wing agitator George Galloway returns to Westminster for a three-month stint after winning a decisive victory in the Rochdale by-election. —

The Week Uk, theweek, 25 Dec. 2024 However, in a decisive referendum in 1974, Mayotte was the only part of the Comoros archipelago that voted to remain part of France. —

Julie Bourdin, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024 The Labour government, fearful that Musk could have a decisive effect, is eyeing ways to neuter his influence. —

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024 The Bucks pulled ahead by as much as 20 points late in the fourth quarter to record the decisive victory. —

Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decisive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive

Adjective

To protect against the negative impacts of overseas conflicts, firms will need to be agile, changing their strategies and looking for resolute financial solutions to navigate their way out of these choppy waters.

Pushkar Mukewar, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Still, the similarities are felt, stylistically and technically, in the collage-like form and the free manipulation of archival images—and, above all, in a shared sense of audacious yet exquisite aestheticism yoked to a strain of refined, resolute insolence.

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024