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

Stanley Fischer, who helped lead central banks in Israel and the US and mentored a younger generation of economic decision-makers, died on May 31 at 81. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025

The most important skill a CFO has, Warnick said, is influencing the ultimate decision-maker—the CEO. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2025

One of the people who helped put Carroll’s name and voice in front of the decision-makers was Roy Mlakar, who was then the Ottawa Senators president and CEO – and who had once hired Carroll in New Haven, which at the time was a Kings’ farm club. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 25 Dec. 2025

Still, even though his development was always going to take time, the Vikings’ top decision-makers are about to complete their fourth season without a playoff win. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025

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