determinative

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of determinative are conclusive, decisive, and definitive. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

When could conclusive be used to replace determinative?

The words conclusive and determinative can be used in similar contexts, but conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When might decisive be a better fit than determinative?

Although the words decisive and determinative have much in common, decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

Where would definitive be a reasonable alternative to determinative?

While in some cases nearly identical to determinative, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

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 determinative Research continually demonstrates that candidate gender is not a primary predictor of vote choice, instead showing consistently party as a more determinative factor. Kelly Dittmar, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Those vote shares could be small but determinative in an election likely to be decided on the margins. Ashley Lopez, NPR, 25 Sep. 2024 However, the upcoming national elections could be determinative of the bill’s fate. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 Four borough presidents are now also on board, but the actual determinative vote will come later this year with a vote by the City Council. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for determinative 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determinative
Adjective
  • The reality that this prosecution more likely would diminish rather than enhance consumer welfare will not be legally dispositive.
    Alden Abbott, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • And this Court should not be thrust into a race with the Southern District of Mississippi to decide the critical factual issues that are dispositive of both actions.
    Audrey Gibbs, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • And because hybrid warfare is by its nature designed to evade clear attribution of responsibility, officials have hesitated to launch powerful responses without having indisputable evidence of an adversary’s identity.
    Lara Jakes, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
  • For people in fashion especially, the mall seems to kick up a particular nostalgia pang—especially around the holidays when so many formative memories were created, and clothing was the indisputable backdrop.
    Alyssa Hardy, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • An exclusive appointment with a sales associate is required to buy one of the bags, and an extensive purchase history with the brand is usually used as a determinate factor.
    Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 15 Aug. 2024
  • Perez was serving a determinate term for assault with a firearm and gang activity, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • But for me, the main question isn’t necessarily the badness of the situation, which is incontestable.
    Sean Illing, Vox, 15 Oct. 2024
  • In recent decades, neuroscientists have wrenched this millennia-old question from the grip of philosophers, recognizing that the connection between neuronal activity and conscious experience is incontestable.
    Lindsey Laughlin, Ars Technica, 10 July 2024
Adjective
  • With a career spanning 19 full-time seasons and 34 series victories, including a 2017 championship, Truex Jr's success in NASCAR is unquestionable.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Modern football has brought many unquestionable improvements.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Disrupting Youth Culture TikTok’s impact on youth culture is undeniable.
    Shira Jeczmien, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The connection between postsecondary education and economic prosperity is undeniable.
    Mark Wilson, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Eminem and 50 Cent are both irrefutable Hall Of Fame talents in rap with nothing left to accomplish.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Livingston’s children claimed that their father read them the poem as early as 1807, many years before it was ever published, but failed to ever provide irrefutable evidence.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The DeSantis announcement is an indubitable win for Musk.
    Scott Nover, Quartz, 24 May 2023
  • There is all of a sudden one Way of Knowing which presents us with indubitable truths.
    Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2010

Thesaurus Entries Near determinative

Cite this Entry

“Determinative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determinative. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on determinative

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