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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 The jobs are not being eliminated, but the workers will have no definite return date. Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 The only definite thing is that an abdication would be a significant departure from all tradition. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025 An early version of o1 scored 18 percent on ARC-AGI—a definite improvement, but still well below human performance. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025 That warrants definite watching to see if yet another brilliant scheme by Kyle and Kamilla can take hold. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for definite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definite
Adjective
  • None other than Emma Corrin will take on the role of Elizabeth Bennet in the six-part limited series, which actors including Jennifer Ehle and Keira Knightley have perfected in the past.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • McGrady was a series regular on Netflix’s hit limited series The Perfect Couple.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Their strong sense of preparedness and diligence often brings greater discipline to board discussions, prompting more thoughtful questions and more explicit expectations.
    Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Without supervision or regulation, kids can easily stumble upon explicit material, including violent and extremist content, that can lead to mental distress, desensitization and a warped perception of the world around them.
    Richard Wistocki, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the most viral clips from the show often trend for making either the suitor — or the singles — absolute fools online.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Mayor’s ball is an absolute feast for the senses; the black-and-white costumes, the massive number of performers, the layout and possibility of the space.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • On the flipside, global competition for access to finite resources and to dominate the next generation of growth industries—clean energy, grid resilience, electric vehicles, sustainable food solutions—is redrawing supply chains, trade agreements, and geopolitics.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • There is no consensus on a finite list of neurodivergent conditions.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For instance, under both the Biden and Trump administrations, certain tattoos have been seen as near definitive signs of TdA membership.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While Ukraine agreed to all U.S. proposals for an unconditional ceasefire and subsequently agreed to plans for a smaller-scale maritime ceasefire, the Russians laid out last week a series of new demands, including the lifting of some U.S. sanctions.
    Barak Ravid, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The themes of the game were unconditional love and revenge, which is in line with the series as well.
    Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • According to someone with direct knowledge, the Heat ideally would like to keep point guard Davion Mitchell, an impending restricted free agent who has thrived in a bench role recently after his February acquisition from Toronto.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
  • If the Bruins re-sign their restricted free agents and leave their prospects in Providence, that gives them with four slots to fill.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The models are also trained to follow instructions more literally, which requires careful and specific prompting but allows for greater control over the output.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Hilbert mentioned some specific subgoals, however, and researchers have since refined his vision into concrete steps toward its solution.
    Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definite. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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