1
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
the definitive work on the attack on Pearl Harbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in conclusive
serving to put an end to all debate or questioning
a definitive answer that put an immediate end to the discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning
the insurance company's definitive statement on the types of surgical operations that are covered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade is often cited as the definitive hard-boiled private detective
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of definitive
Ultimately, Il Giardino, like Radici, takes on the form of an inner narrative, an analysis, and a catharsis—an ongoing exploration of the self, without a definitive solution.
—
Photovogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
Those artifacts proved definitive evidence of the tomb’s ownership.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
Welcome to Deadline’s London TV Screenings list, our definitive look at next week’s buzzy event taking Soho by storm.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025
The dual themes gave audiences plenty to unpack and the references mentioned here are not by any means a definitive or exhaustive list of all that was included.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Photovogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
Those artifacts proved definitive evidence of the tomb’s ownership.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
Welcome to Deadline’s London TV Screenings list, our definitive look at next week’s buzzy event taking Soho by storm.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025
The dual themes gave audiences plenty to unpack and the references mentioned here are not by any means a definitive or exhaustive list of all that was included.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitive
Adjective
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This was the sort of authoritative result that proves Missouri could make some noise come March.—
Brendan Marks,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
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Isbell’s authoritative vocal performance also highlighted his savvy wordplay and observations, tools that reinforced his music’s tight links with descriptive language and honest perspective.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In a new interview with Classic Rock, bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson discussed the band’s conclusive world tour, which coincided with drummer Neil Peart‘s failing health.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
7 Jan. 2025
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There’s simply not enough conclusive evidence to know precisely how these products influence cardiovascular health, Samantha Coogan, RDN, a nutrition sciences professor and director of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Health.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Health,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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At the Department of Defense, the direction has been explicit.—
Karen Hao,
The Atlantic,
22 Feb. 2025
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But their disdain for the city has rarely been so explicit.—
Campbell Robertson,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Who can resist the classic flavors of this childhood favorite?—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2025
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Go the classic route in khaki choices from Mango, Gucci, and Citizens of Humanity.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But with sustainable aviation fuels costing three to four times more than traditional jet fuel, Boom faces a decisive question: Can airlines make money selling supersonic tickets while burning premium fuel?—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
18 Feb. 2025
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Expect goals, expect drama, and if Madrid find themselves behind in the dying stages, expect to see Bellingham as the game’s decisive figure… again.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Focus Features‘ Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu deepsea diver thriller Last Breath off a B+, 4 1/2 stars PostTrak and a 61% definite recommend is only filing $7.3M for the three-day.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
1 Mar. 2025
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The height adjustment is a definite plus, and the display, overall, is a pleasure to work with.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The presentation is a bit of a flop, but the mapo tofu is an exemplary version of the Sichuan dish, with soft, silky tofu in a deeply savory red sauce.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2025
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Even the performances have an exemplary historical tenor.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The clear back lets the iPad's design come through, and while the display cover can fold into the same two viewing angles, covering the screen actually puts it to sleep here.—
Julian Chokkattu,
WIRED,
28 Feb. 2025
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Too many people view the risks of illness from the vaccine as outweighing the risk of getting measles itself, and what’s abundantly clear now is that the risk of getting measles is increasing.—
Megha Satyanarayana,
Scientific American,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Definitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitive. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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