Synonyms

definitively

American

[dih-fin-i-tiv-lee] / dɪˈfɪn ɪ tɪv li /

adverb

in a way that is definite, complete, final, or absolute.

There is no forensic evidence to definitively identify the attacker.
The court's ruling is seen as a missed opportunity to resolve the issue definitively.

Other Word Forms

nondefinitively adverb
undefinitively adverb

Etymology

Origin of definitively

definitive ( def. ) + -ly

Vocabulary lists containing definitively

Commonly Confused Words, List 2

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List 3

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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.

Trump talked to The Wall Street Journal for eight minutes on Sunday External link but wouldn’t say definitively when the war would end.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

A recent Wall Street Journal analysis suggests that more people moved out of the U.S. than moved in last year, something that hasn’t definitively occurred since the Great Depression.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Bibring reviewed footage related to Islas’ shooting and could not definitively say if the round that struck him came from an FN 303.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

When asked whether the outbreak had been contained, Dr Anjan Ghosh, of Kent County Council, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme they were "not in a position yet to say that definitively".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

They definitively established that the painting was in New York, or London, or in the South of France, hanging in the home of the owner of a soda factory.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023