definitely

adverb

def·​i·​nite·​ly ˈde-fə-nit-lē How to pronounce definitely (audio)
ˈdef-nət-
Synonyms of definitely
1
: in a definite way : in a way free of all ambiguity, uncertainty, or obscurity
I will definitely be there.
He's very smart and very funny and is definitely a practical actor. He comes to work to get his job done and to make the best movie possible …Anna Kendrick
Omaha is definitely not hip; green-haired XML programmers do not glide past gourmet coffee emporiums on Razor scooters.Adam Rogers
2
a
used in speech as a forceful way of expressing agreement or saying "yes"
"Do you think they'll win?" "Definitely!"
b
used in speech in the phrase definitely not as a forceful way of expressing disagreement or saying "no"
"Do you agree with him?" "Definitely not!"

Examples of definitely in a Sentence

that is definitely the kind of dog we're looking to adopt
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.
Issa doesn’t really want to sleep with Anton, and Anton definitely doesn’t want to sleep with Issa, but both of them do want to sleep with Paul Baker. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 The video was definitely a hit, but for a parent, that much attention can bring mixed emotions, especially when some of the reactions include praise but others are not so kind. Owen Carry, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 And talking to them, getting to know coach (Bill) Self and coach (Joe) Dooley is definitely a blessing. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Otherwise, there’s definitely a family-friendly element to the hotel (the whole storybook feel screams childhood), though the food options may be a little bit advanced for a kids’ palate. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definitely

Word History

Etymology

definite + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of definitely was in 1574

Cite this Entry

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

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