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decide

Definition of decidenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decide differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of decide are determine, resolve, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When can determine be used instead of decide?

Although the words determine and decide have much in common, determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

In what contexts can resolve take the place of decide?

The synonyms resolve and decide are sometimes interchangeable, but resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

he resolved to quit smoking

When might rule be a better fit than decide?

In some situations, the words rule and decide are roughly equivalent. However, rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

When is settle a more appropriate choice than decide?

While the synonyms settle and decide are close in meaning, settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.

the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy

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 decide And while Elliott would like to see Nielsen as the next CEO, if the board decides on someone else who is equally qualified, Elliott will support that decision. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026 So, this past year, Stewart decided to enjoy her life and travel. Adriana Morga, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026 Pahlavi has repeatedly said the form of Iran’s future system should be decided by the people through a free constitutional process. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026 However, faith in his ability was not necessarily part of the math when deciding to move Metcalf. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decide
Verb
  • If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
  • There are 23 colors to choose from, plus petite sizes S–XXL.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The chairman warned that the outcome of the investigation will determine the future of the central bank’s decisions.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Back in October, the Golden Globes announced a longer list of 25 shows eligible for these first-ever podcast nominations, determined by the Globes' data partner, Luminate.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Despite his level-headedness, Mike is mightily discontent with the low-wattage gigs that are arranged for him by, of all people, his dentist (Fisher Stevens), who soon replaces that absent tooth.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • As a newcomer to composing and arranging for strings, Simon benefitted greatly by working with a group readily available for consultation and collaboration.
    Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Her sparkling long-sleeve dress draped across her body and settled into a small train behind her.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Some might accept a lien or letter of protection, which meant they would not be paid until lawsuits like those that would be filed on Barb’s and Sharon’s behalf settled.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even though just three can alert to an emergency, many more are needed to understand what is behind those emergencies.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Those specifics aside, more stunningly, researchers discovered that these brave, early explorers of new worlds demonstrated a different way of moving than had been previously understood.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But the team opted not to activate him, and Zavala remains on IR.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Users can also change the reference pitch in 1-Hz increments, and opt to tune with a capo on.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Teens participating in the program have to rope a calf, feed it and return the cow to the next Stock Show to be judged on showmanship and carcass quality.
    Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Ultimately, policy must be judged not only by aggregate performance of the economy as a whole or political resonance but by its ability to strengthen household financial resilience of all income groups—helping families make progress in good times and avoid lasting setbacks in bad.
    Gene Ludwig, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Part of this growing divide between the rich and the average worker can also be traced back to where these households derive their wealth—namely from their exposure to the booming stock market of 2025.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The brand’s very name, derived from a Sanskrit word, encapsulates Ghiya’s internationalism.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decide. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on decide

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