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

Charlotte wants Ajayi to embrace the role as a connector, continue to adapt and thrive as a screener, decision-maker, and off-ball mover within team offense. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026

First, target senior decision-makers like the Head of Communications or CMO, who have hiring authority and budget, rather than peers who may lack influence or see you as competition. — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Tap into what decision-makers care about Link your contributions to the business priorities your leaders are filtering every idea and decision through. — Melody Wilding, CNBC, 8 July 2026

The doctrine calls for the use of rapid and disproportionate force in order to establish deterrence, place pressure on decision-makers, and minimize the period of combat. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 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