DEFINITE Synonyms: 218 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

definite

adjective

ˈde-fə-nit

Definition of definite

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in absolute

having no exceptions or restrictions the house is a definite bargain by today's standards

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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 But the Bulls expressed definite interest in Kuminga, according to a league source speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss front-office strategy. — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Too big is manageable, but not big enough or something that might detract from the enjoyment of actually seeing the piece is a definite no-go. — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 11 Sep. 2026 There's also a full-size dishwasher, which is a definite bonus in a tiny house of any size, plus quite a lot of cabinetry, including a wardrobe unit near the entrance. — New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026 Best definite recommends of 66% and 67% are respectively coming from the 25-34 and 45-54 age brackets. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for definite

Adjective

The collaboration centers on Muse Spark Open, the most capable open-weight model released under a license that allows for limited commercial use, according to Meta.

— Kif Leswing,Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Departments with limited staffing may not have the resources to dedicate multiple investigators to tracking down a suspect vehicle.

— Gino Vicci, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of limited

Adjective

To be more explicit, the owners, as represented by the league, will not retract their salary cap proposal simply because we are now guaranteed a low-payroll team will win the World Series.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
What if Moscow used nuclear threats, implicit or explicit, to try to force Europe to end its support for Ukraine?

— Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of explicit

Adjective

Why were the conspiracy theorists about Courtney Love so inclined to believe the absolute worst about her?

— Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
Wilson was an absolute fantasy monster with Harrison off the field last season, so his main concern becomes the inevitable QB switch to rookie Carson Beck.

— Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of absolute

Adjective

For many, being told that life is a series of dark trade-offs in a deadly struggle over finite resources does not sound far-fetched at all.

— Via Haymarket Books, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Intelligence may become abundant, but the physical world remains stubbornly finite.

— Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of finite

Adjective

In 2024, Michigan State launched Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional prenatal and infant cash program.

— Mona Hanna, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Once a seller has an unconditional right to receive the proceeds, many planning opportunities may no longer be available.

— D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

Drying towels separately prevents longer drying times caused by restricted airflow and moisture differences.

— Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026
The policy prohibited speakers from directing remarks to individual council members and restricted comments considered personal or abusive.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of restricted

Adjective

The German company aims to deploy the model across different robot platforms, allowing customers to adapt its capabilities to specific applications.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
On winding roads, its model-specific suspension tuning and focus on weight reduction translate into exceptional body control at speed without becoming brittle or overly rigid in slower, more technical sections.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of specific

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“Definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definite. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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adjective

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Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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Popular in Wordplay

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