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Synonyms

decisive

American  
[dih-sahy-siv] / dɪˈsaɪ sɪv /

adjective

  1. having the power or quality of deciding; putting an end to controversy; crucial or most important.

    Your argument was the decisive one.

    Synonyms:
    final, conclusive
  2. characterized by or displaying no or little hesitation; resolute; determined.

    The general was known for his decisive manner.

    Synonyms:
    firm
  3. indisputable; definite.

    a decisive defeat.

  4. unsurpassable; commanding.

    a decisive lead in the voting.


decisive British  
/ dɪˈsaɪsɪv /

adjective

  1. influential; conclusive

    a decisive argument

  2. characterized by the ability to make decisions, esp quickly; resolute

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • decisively adverb
  • decisiveness noun
  • nondecisive adjective
  • predecisive adjective

Etymology

Origin of decisive

First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin dēcīsīvus, equivalent to Latin dēcīs(us) ( decision ) + -īvus adjective suffix ( -ive )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was a decisive step toward modernizing the financial system and reinforcing the dollar’s global role.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The American had looked to be heading for defeat after the 77th-ranked Burruchaga engineered a trio of match points while leading 5-3 on Paul's serve in the decisive third set.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

“If you don’t, you’ll end up getting something swiped out from underneath you pretty quick. Be fast and be decisive, because there are a lot of people competing for a very limited amount of listings.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

He argues that if the jailed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is released, she could play a decisive role, even at the age of 80, in finding an acceptable compromise.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

With the domestication of animals and edible plants, people won a decisive victory in this battle, assuring our survival on this planet.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson