Definition of conclusivenext

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

Example 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 Key Takeaways Taking vitamin C supplements daily may slightly lower blood pressure, but results are not conclusive. Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2026 Still, there has been no conclusive evidence of alien life. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 While panspermia continues to generate debate among scientists, the evidence for the hypothesis is far from conclusive. Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026 The research isn’t conclusive, however. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclusive
Adjective
  • But measurement collapses this superposition, yielding one definitive outcome.
    Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The announcement also comes with details on a plan to upgrade Ocean Cay, though a definitive timeline was not included.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But Khanna’s reasoning—essentially, that the intense public interest in the files demands transparency and that the American public can be trusted to be judicious with unverified claims therein—is not very convincing.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • That reflects poorly on the players, but Rosenior did not provide any convincing answers.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Enforcement must be swift and decisive in removing fraudulent operators.
    Tom Koutsoumpas, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The same official also indicated that Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, is not necessarily the decisive factor in these discussions, but Nabih Berri, speaker of the nation's House, is the one with true authority, not Aoun.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Masters Sunday is now ripe for a compelling conclusion.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jaiden Ilginis made quite an entrance last spring for Tinley Park, recording a hat trick in her first game as a freshman.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Walkouts continued despite the announcement last week of a deal which the group hoped would resolve the industrial action.
    Max Ramsay, Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Central bankers must be strong enough to listen to a diversity of views from all corners…humble enough to be open-minded to new ideas and new economic developments…wise enough to translate imperfect data into meaningful insight…and dedicated enough to make judgments faithfully and wisely.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The project increases Georgia’s already strong presence in the growing defense industry.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Focus on one task, one conversation, one clear outcome at a time.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Amid increasingly dire reports, a growing body of pilot projects and best practices is also beginning to emerge, though clear direction on how to scale them remains elusive.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/conclusive. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster