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 Food and drink The food is a definite highlight here, with several places to eat and drink. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026 There are definite signs of flagging Republican interest in the Georgia race. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026 So the idea is that a particle has definite properties independent of what distant particles are doing. — Quanta Magazine, 17 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 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
  • The band said 60% of tickets would be priced under $300, alongside a limited number of premium seats.
    — James LaForge, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The very limited research on estrogen facial creams is far less bullish.
    — Ashley Abramson, Allure, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of limited
Adjective
  • Many of them make explicit content and are thus often rejected by mainstream banks.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The next president may well also have more power to purchase equity stakes; legislation moving through the Senate would give the Pentagon explicit legal authority to do so.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of explicit
Adjective
  • The slap on the wrist capped an otherwise strong Celtics debut for the nine-time All-Star, who was putting on an absolute clinic.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Milanese Suite combines elegance and spaciousness with absolute comfort.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • However, any potential signal is expected to be faint and can be obscured by cosmic variance, the statistical uncertainty that arises when observations cover only a finite portion of the universe.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of finite
Adjective
  • And definitive explanations for Bonfire and Dynamite aren’t forthcoming.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The oil-rich province of Alberta has rejected the pathway to secession and will remain part of Canada, landing a definitive blow to a fringe but loud campaign which sought support from the US.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Here, the defining aspect of Benjamin Button’s strange existence is love — lucky, steady, unconditional.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • The recurring shape adds another detail for researchers examining reports of unexplained objects near restricted locations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The money was moved into a restricted account in Qatar intended to ensure that Iran could only spend the funds on humanitarian goods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of restricted
Adjective
  • That website works great in the demo—under specific conditions and without users with thumbs for fingers.
    — Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But rather than any of her contemporaries, one specific anecdote from Jensen’s school years seems like the most apt context for the measured wandering on Jazz dreams.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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