conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce conclusive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of conclusive
1
: of, relating to, or being a conclusion
2
: putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of irrefutability
The results were not conclusive.
conclusively adverb
conclusiveness noun

Synonyms of conclusive

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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 conclusive in a Sentence

the archeological discovery was conclusive proof that the Vikings had indeed settled in North America around 1000 A.D. a conclusive argument for allowing the students to put on a play of their own choosing
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Metagenomic testing on blood samples, which is also becoming more common, is not always conclusive; localized infections don’t always reach the bloodstream. — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026 Officials concluded that the video did not offer conclusive proof that a person fell off the ship. — Curran Rastogi, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Outer Banks season 5 has arrived and ended the series on a rather conclusive note, indicating there won’t be a secret sixth season to bring things back and undo the series finale. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Yet the Hoosiers’ march to the top was also thorough and conclusive. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conclusive

Word History

Etymology

see conclude

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conclusive was in 1536

Rhymes for conclusive

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Browse Nearby Words

conclusionary
conclusive
conclusively
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Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclusive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

conclusive

adjective
con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce conclusive (audio)
-ziv
: decisive sense 1, convincing
conclusive proof
conclusively adverb
conclusiveness noun

Legal Definition

conclusive

adjective
con·​clu·​sive
1
: of, relating to, or being a conclusion
2
: putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of inability to be refuted
conclusively adverb
conclusiveness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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