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 Once Southampton’s appeal had been rejected and their fate was definite the next day, the players came together again. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Many are confident that a deal will soon be reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even if there is no definite timeline. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 Performance There’s a definite Jekyll-and-Hyde character about the way this new Amalfi Spider performs. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026 Music, Fashion, Film is a definite left-turn from the pop provocateur’s recent work, but its earnest blend of cheek and vulnerability is Charli through and through. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 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
  • Not only did the limited library cards and shirts go fast, the whole rotunda reached legal capacity in just 20 minutes post-doors open time.
    — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • There have been some limited cases in which noncitizens have been criminally charged for voting or attempting to vote, including in Michigan, but it's been rare and not thought to have altered the outcome of any elections.
    — Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of limited
Adjective
  • The movie boasts entirely original characters, Lovecraftian vibes, a young Brad Pitt, and explicit horniness.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That can mean funding small pilot programs, giving teams explicit room to experiment within reasonable guardrails, or simply promoting the people already finding smarter ways to work before anyone told them to.
    — Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of explicit
Adjective
  • Almost all have private terraces or gardens, and the original frescoes and vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of absolute splendor.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This perfume features notes of cacao absolute and caramel, along with green hazelnut, jasmine sambac absolute, cedarwood, ambroxan, and moss providing a nutty and earthy element, too.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • On a finite graph, crossing the critical probability means the network will become dominated by one large sea of fluid.
    — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Yet these sectors are placing overlapping claims on the same forests and finite land, putting cumulative pressure on an increasingly fragile resource base.
    — Kari Stoever, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of finite
Adjective
  • Graf also reiterated that his ruling was not a definitive finding of guilt, which will have to be determined by a jury during a future trial.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Roman could also provide the first definitive proof of exomoons, or moons orbiting exoplanets.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • The capitulation of Germany is at hand, the Third Reich's unconditional surrender just days away.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Despite his resolve to be gentler and kinder than Cotton, Hank still struggles to articulate his unconditional love to his son, Bobby.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • And yet, the Yankees could have used more length with the club set to start two restricted starters, Carlos Rodón (Game 1) and Max Fried (Game 2), in Saturday’s doubleheader.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Even a single night of restricted sleep can impair a leader’s cognitive performance, particularly memory.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of restricted
Adjective
  • The Vikings will use him on special teams and as a game-plan-specific blitzer.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Lives built around specific products, even at a few thousand followers, are becoming a viable path to affiliate income.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of specific

Browse Nearby Words

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 4 Sep. 2026.

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