DISPOSITIVE Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

dispositive

adjective

Definition of dispositive

as in determinative

providing or controlling a final outcome The fact that she committed a crime is not dispositive of her claim that the police used excessive force in arresting her.

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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 dispositive Though the flimsiness of the threat was widely noted, the issue was not dispositive. — Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 2 Mar. 2026 In a gerrymandered state like Illinois, primary battles for congressional seats typically are more dispositive than the general election in the fall. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026 However, and most importantly, no one should be deported or kept in custody without a neutral hearing for a dispositive decision to be reached, with legal counsel being made available to represent them. — James P. Gray, Oc Register, 1 Nov. 2025 Fitzgerald proposed a schedule that includes filing dispositive motions by October 20 and briefs by November 20. — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispositive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispositive

Adjective

At the end of the day, elite talent — such as the Oilers possess in McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard — is what is determinative in the NHL.

— Thomas Drance, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
The order of the presidential calendar is consequential, but far from determinative.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of determinative

Adjective

Fly Now might be the poster for an artform conceived of as a vehicle for transport in and out of the realm of determinate meaning.

— Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026
In the case of tomatoes, this is true with indeterminate varieties, and less so with determinate varieties that won’t continue growing and producing after harvesting.

— Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2026

Definition of determinate

Adjective

Though 57% of voters say the Democratic Party does not have a clear vision for the future, Republicans hold no advantage in this category either, according to a CBS News poll released on Sunday.

— Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
With no side holding a clear majority, a deadlock, a minority government, a unity government – or another election – are all plausible outcomes.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of clear

Adjective

Public health officials say there is no conclusive scientific evidence that supports using cat’s claw for any health purposes.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Although the possibility that better sleep could reduce opioid use after surgery is promising, Amaya cautioned that the findings are not conclusive.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of conclusive

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dispositions

dispositive

dispossess

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“Dispositive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispositive. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dispositive

adjective

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