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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb determine differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of determine are decide, resolve, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

When is it sensible to use decide instead of determine?

The words decide and determine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When might resolve be a better fit than determine?

The synonyms resolve and determine 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 would rule be a good substitute for determine?

The meanings of rule and determine largely overlap; however, rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

When can settle be used instead of determine?

Although the words settle and determine have much in common, 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 determine If immigration enforcement officers seek to enter a limited-access healthcare area — such as patient rooms or closed wards — UCLA advises staff to contact their administrator and the medical center’s legal representative to review any warrants or subpoenas to determine whether entry is allowed. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 Currently, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025 Authorities have stated that details about the motive and sequence of events will be determined through the ongoing investigation. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 Tuesday’s vote was merely a primary to determine who will be representing the Democratic Party. Solcyré Burga, Time, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for determine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determine
Verb
  • Large groups of protesters and others drawn to the chaos decided to vandalize cars, buildings, and assault police as part of the demonstrations in Los Angeles.
    Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
  • Always, along the chain of hectic audience gossip, there was one person who decided to nip in the bud the talk about a too iconoclastic Beckett, and the relay to the estate was stopped; someone—more than one someone—who decided that Matthew and his crazy dreams were worth shielding.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The 6-foot-9 forward chose the Cougars over Kansas, North Carolina and Alabama.
    Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
  • However, when choosing a hydrator, steer clear of thick, oil-rich products, which can be irritating to the torso area, stresses Dr. Bowe.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Details on past launches can be found at the end of file.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • Nick Castellanos found himself in unfamiliar territory during the first pitch of the Philadelphia Phillies game against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • What’s next: The Royals conclude their weekend series against the Padres on Sunday afternoon.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • In the study, scientists concluded further adaptation and the potential expansion of cropland may be needed to ensure food security and mitigate climate impacts.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • The unexpected matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will be settled on Sunday, June 22 in Oklahoma City.
    Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • The judge’s decision this week came more than 15 years after the first explosive lawsuit between the two men was settled.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Thomas is a restricted free agent, but that distinction borders on irrelevant in a market where nobody else has cap space, and Thomas figures to make more than the nontaxpayer MLE. 3.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • The infield figures to get complicated as well when Alex Bregman returns.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The jail currently offers programs for inmates to learn construction or culinary skills.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
  • The idea for the monthly reviews felt like a natural progression from what Hearn has learned from his experience in the world of work.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Paul Goldschmidt had one of just three Yankees hits in Saturday’s 7-0 loss to the A’s, but that didn’t stop him from sharing some self-depreciation after the game.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
  • Trying to stop the runaway, Jeff was knocked to the concrete and sustained a fractured skull and other life-threatening injuries that left him in a coma for weeks.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Determine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determine. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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