definite

adjective

ˈde-fə-nit How to pronounce definite (audio)
Definition of definitenext
1
as in limited
having distinct or certain limits there should be a definite scope to your paper on the campaign for women's rights because you obviously cannot cover the whole history in five pages

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning a definite instruction not to let anyone in the house while the parents were out for the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in absolute
having no exceptions or restrictions the house is a definite bargain by today's standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Is Luke Nickel the definite backup quarterback behind starter Darian Mensah? — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026 Psychologists call the discomfort of this stage the need for cognitive closure, our desire to land on a definite answer just so the uncertainty will end. — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking—unlikely, possible, definite, indefinite, cancelled, then actual—makes As Always, Julia intensely suspenseful. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 According to gardening pro Holly Farrell, yes, onion skins have definite benefits in the garden. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for definite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definite
  1. limited
  2. explicit
  3. absolute
  4. finite
  5. definitive
  6. unconditional
  7. restricted
  8. specific
Adjective
  • Another season of limited minutes and the potential for a big sale could plummet.
    — Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The unions offered limited press coverage at the start of the event before the doors close.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of limited
Adjective
  • That strategy—adding explicit advice to the reassurance—may be the fix that allows doctors both to reassure and persuade patients to stick with a treatment protocol.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
  • However, the law avoids explicit mention of colonialism, effectively broadening its scope.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of explicit
Adjective
  • The scent wraps rose water, Damascena rose essence and absolute, and centifolia rose in soft, sweet notes of green almond, pink raspberry, and a touch of mauve violet.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Stewart, having the absolute time of her life, allows the cool persona she’s cultivated across the modern indie scene to give way to an insecure brattiness that’s wonderfully refreshing.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • For that chunk of older Americans, there’s plenty of reason to be worried about making finite financial resources last.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • However, a refrigerator is, in the end, another appliance with a finite life.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of finite
Adjective
  • Knoxville was even more definitive to USA TODAY, giving another sequel no chance of happening.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Anthropic also cautions against treating either signal as definitive proof of authorship.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Hinckley launched a music career after being granted unconditional release in 2022, but found some concert venues weren’t receptive to hosting his performances.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In one room, Catherine is getting promises of unconditional love and affection from Alden, a man who would never harm her.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • Shareholders of the electric vehicle maker last November approved a restricted stock plan that the company valued at $158 billion.
    — Ross Kerber, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As predicted, the seasonally restricted Dining Out NYC has been but a shadow of its year-round predecessor.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of restricted
Adjective
  • In the comics, a Lantern’s ring has several powers in the ballpark of creating physical objects out of light and pure will, but none of them to date — save for John, in one specific story — have been able to store someone’s consciousness.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • While Comer didn’t give a specific location where the breakdown occurred, daytime temperatures in the South China Sea in late July averaged between 89 degrees and 98 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 37 Celsius), weather records show.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of specific

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defining
definite
definitely
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Cite this Entry

“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definite. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on definite

Nglish: Translation of definite for Spanish Speakers

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