determinative

adjective

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tive di-ˈtər-mə-ˌnā-tiv How to pronounce determinative (audio)
-ˈtər-mə-nə-
Synonyms of determinativenext
: having power or tendency to determine : tending to fix, settle, or define something
… regard experiments as determinative of the principles from which deductions could be made …S. F. Mason
determinative noun
Choose the Right Synonym for determinative

conclusive, decisive, determinative, definitive mean bringing to an end.

conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

Examples of determinative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Trump’s endorsement was helpful but not determinative. Joe Garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Apr. 2026 They’ve rarely been determinative in elections — El Paso County casts around 4% of the Democratic vote — but could matter in a close Senate race and in the Gonzales primary. David Weigel, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026 Between 1995 and 2010, CCM and its presidential candidates could win determinative vote shares while minimizing costly repression and fraud. Yonatan Morse, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025 But, ultimately, the president would not play a determinative role in interest rate decisions. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determinative

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of determinative was in 1655

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Cite this Entry

“Determinative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/determinative. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

Legal Definition

determinative

adjective
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tive di-ˈtər-mə-ˌnā-tiv, -nə-tiv How to pronounce determinative (audio)
: having the power or tendency to determine
a fact determinative of the issue

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