DEFINITE Synonyms: 218 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'definite' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of definite are explicit , express , and specific . While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision. // the law is definite in such cases

Q: When could 'explicit' be used to replace 'definite'?

The meanings of explicit and definite largely overlap; however, explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding. // explicit instructions

Q: Where would 'express' be a reasonable alternative to 'definite'?

The words express and definite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance. // her express wishes

Q: When would 'specific' be a good substitute for 'definite'?

While in some cases nearly identical to definite , specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular. // two specific criticisms

definite

adjective

ˈde-fə-nit

Definition of definite

as in limited

having distinct or certain limits there should be a definite scope to your paper on the campaign for women's rights because you obviously cannot cover the whole history in five pages

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in explicit

so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning a definite instruction not to let anyone in the house while the parents were out for the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in absolute

having no exceptions or restrictions the house is a definite bargain by today's standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word definite distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of definite are explicit, express, and specific. While all these words mean "perfectly clear in meaning," definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

When could explicit be used to replace definite?

The meanings of explicit and definite largely overlap; however, explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

Where would express be a reasonable alternative to definite?

The words express and definite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

When would specific be a good substitute for definite?

While in some cases nearly identical to definite, specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

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 definite Many are confident that a deal will soon be reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even if there is no definite timeline. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 Performance There’s a definite Jekyll-and-Hyde character about the way this new Amalfi Spider performs. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026 Music, Fashion, Film is a definite left-turn from the pop provocateur’s recent work, but its earnest blend of cheek and vulnerability is Charli through and through. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026 Is Luke Nickel the definite backup quarterback behind starter Darian Mensah? — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for definite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for definite

Adjective

Following the results, analysts at Bank of America upgraded shares to neutral from an underperform rating on accelerating AI growth, but warned of limited upside ahead.

— Samantha Subin, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Yet last week, California managed to pull it off — navigating the public backlash that has derailed and limited efforts by other Western states.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of limited

Adjective

The movie boasts entirely original characters, Lovecraftian vibes, a young Brad Pitt, and explicit horniness.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
That can mean funding small pilot programs, giving teams explicit room to experiment within reasonable guardrails, or simply promoting the people already finding smarter ways to work before anyone told them to.

— Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

Rhule can't afford to miss in a way that Tom Osborne could, because a player who's not a hit in the Class of 2027 counts against the roster limit, capped at 105, and eats up NIL money, which is finite.

— Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Land is a finite resource and positively correlated with inflation, continuing to appreciate as costs go up.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of finite

Adjective

Now, Anthropic acknowledges that its marks are signals, not definitive proof of AI-generation.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
Viral sit-to-stand and other mobility tests measure strength, balance, fall risk; helpful clues on how the body is aging but not definitive predictions of lifespan.

— Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

The capitulation of Germany is at hand, the Third Reich's unconditional surrender just days away.

— Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Despite his resolve to be gentler and kinder than Cotton, Hank still struggles to articulate his unconditional love to his son, Bobby.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

And yet, the Yankees could have used more length with the club set to start two restricted starters, Carlos Rodón (Game 1) and Max Fried (Game 2), in Saturday’s doubleheader.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
Even a single night of restricted sleep can impair a leader’s cognitive performance, particularly memory.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of restricted

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“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definite. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of definite

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to definite

Commonly Misspelled Words

Cite this Entry

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