decisively
Americanadverb
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in a way that settles a matter and puts an end to debate or speculation.
The question, "Do habitable conditions for life exist elsewhere in the galaxy?" has been decisively answered in the affirmative.
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in a firm and resolute way, without wavering.
The Executive Office must be able to move quickly and decisively to preserve endangered ecosystems, history, or prehistory on federal land.
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in a clear or definite way; indisputably.
She has not only decisively beaten but ended the political career of every candidate who ran against her.
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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.
Left with a must make 10-footer to set the clubhouse lead, Hull calmly and decisively slotted a putt that, at that moment, might have been for the title.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
One of these registers wins decisively over the other.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, won decisively with roughly 48% of the vote.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026
“We are now moving decisively to reduce costs, adapt our operations, and position the business for continued growth and future opportunities.”
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
“Oh, they wouldn’t allow it,” said the Professor decisively.
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
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.
