DISPOSITIVE Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

dispositive

adjective

Definition of dispositive

as in determinative

providing or controlling a final outcome The fact that she committed a crime is not dispositive of her claim that the police used excessive force in arresting her.

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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 dispositive Though the flimsiness of the threat was widely noted, the issue was not dispositive. — Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 2 Mar. 2026 In a gerrymandered state like Illinois, primary battles for congressional seats typically are more dispositive than the general election in the fall. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026 However, and most importantly, no one should be deported or kept in custody without a neutral hearing for a dispositive decision to be reached, with legal counsel being made available to represent them. — James P. Gray, Oc Register, 1 Nov. 2025 Fitzgerald proposed a schedule that includes filing dispositive motions by October 20 and briefs by November 20. — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispositive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispositive

Adjective

The order of the presidential calendar is consequential, but far from determinative.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Nothing is ever going to top it except, of course, the thin green coat of algae that Greenwater Solutions—seems nominally determinative, in a bad way—is trying to spritz with nanobubbles.

— Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026

Definition of determinative

Adjective

In the case of tomatoes, this is true with indeterminate varieties, and less so with determinate varieties that won’t continue growing and producing after harvesting.

— Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2026
Pruning is unnecessary because determinate tomatoes only grow to a certain height and then stop producing foliage.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026

Definition of determinate

Adjective

On Friday, Davide Ancelotti, Lille’s head coach, confirmed Fernandez-Pardo, who had made clear his desire to leave, would not train with the squad until after Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Kayley and Nathan’s efforts are intercut with Kasandra opening her birthday present from Jeff (whose airways are now totally clear), a $100,000 diamond necklace.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

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

Definition of conclusive

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dispositions

dispositive

dispossess

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

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Synonyms of dispositive

adjective

Example Sentences

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