decision-maker

noun

de·​ci·​sion-mak·​er di-ˈsi-zhən-ˌmā-kər 

variants or less commonly decision maker

plural decision-makers also decision makers

: someone who is known or primarily responsible for making decisions

a good decision-maker

one of the company's key/top decision makers

However, this does not permit corrections personnel or a warden to automatically assume the role of the patient's medical decision-maker.

—Erik Larsen and Katherine Drabiak

Examples of decision-maker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many existing energy experts stationed in the Gulf had to evacuate their embassies, and were unlikely to easily and quickly communicate with decision-makers. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026

We are also trained to communicate complexity in ways that decision-makers can use. —Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026

Raiders decision-makers met with Mendoza after the workout, and the quarterback is expected to visit the Raiders’ facility in the coming weeks for a pre-draft visit. —Dianna Russini, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026

Convince the city’s powers to consult with advisers and decision-makers with deep roots in the neighborhoods — community leaders, organizers, educators and art-makers. —Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decision-maker

• policymaker
• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker