decisive
Americanadjective
-
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
-
characterized by or displaying no or little hesitation; resolute; determined.
The general was known for his decisive manner.
- Synonyms:
- firm
-
a decisive defeat.
-
unsurpassable; commanding.
a decisive lead in the voting.
adjective
-
influential; conclusive
a decisive argument
-
characterized by the ability to make decisions, esp quickly; resolute
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.
"This signal that the threat to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international organization responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security," he said.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
"It is disappointing that the British government continues to show no willingness to substantively consider this issue and has failed to take the decisive action needed to provide meaningful support to the hospitality sector here."
From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026
“Europe is entering a decisive decade, and it is unable to act,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 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
Because diseases have been the biggest killers of people, they have also been decisive shapers of history.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
