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

The Yankees’ title drought, tied for the longest since 1923, is the fault of many — players (including Judge) and decision-makers alike. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

The criminal and administrative matters can involve separate records, processes, and decision-makers. — Karen Koehler, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

The researchers posit that GLP-1s could make people more responsible decision-makers through a simple injection, a habit that might otherwise take years to cultivate on their own, Platt said. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

This expansion of academic insights can help our students, who represent future civic decision-makers and public storytellers. — Katrina Stack, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 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