decision-maker

noun

de·​ci·​sion-mak·​er di-ˈsi-zhən-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce decision-maker (audio)
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
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.
When women participate in political life—as voters, candidates, and decision-makers—institutions become more representative and responsive. Celina Stewart, Time, 8 Mar. 2026 Regardless, because of his likely role, Moore continuing any sign of that in Buffalo is a non-starter, and some of it could be cleaned up with a more predictable in-pocket decision-maker like Allen. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026 Small sample sizes and varying degrees of pitching mean spring training numbers aren’t always the end-all, be-all for final decision-makers, so Trammell is focused on the details. Matt Young, Houston Chronicle, 7 Mar. 2026 For nearly four decades, Khamenei sat atop Iran's complex power structure, serving not just as the country's highest religious authority but also as its ultimate political decision-maker. Imtiaz Tyab, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decision-maker

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decision-maker was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

“Decision-maker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decision-maker. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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