conclusive

adjective

con·​clu·​sive kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce conclusive (audio)
-ziv
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
Choose the Right Synonym for conclusive

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 But a 2021 study wasn't able to uncover anything conclusive about sperm in pre-cum, confirming that this question is one that still needs more research. Emily Shiffer, Parents, 8 Apr. 2024 There is compelling, if far from conclusive, evidence of involvement by the F.S.B. in a series of apartment bombings, in 1999, that paved the way for Putin to become President. Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2024 But this study is not necessarily conclusive about that. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024 The Frenchman had become a major general in the Continental Army at the age of 19, was a close friend of George Washington’s and played a key role in the colonists’ conclusive victory at Yorktown. Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2024 Studies are mixed, but some show a strong link between higher choline intakes and fewer NTDs; other studies are less conclusive. Casey Seiden, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 Trump: Super Tuesday is ‘so conclusive’ Speaking at his watch party at his private club, Trump celebrated his winning streak. Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 Opponents say recent data is far from conclusive, with crimes such as shoplifting increasing in some places and decreasing in others — and contend that the fervor is fueled more by anecdotes than evidence. Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2024 When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conclusive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near conclusive

Cite this Entry

“Conclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclusive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on conclusive

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