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 executive has emerged as a key decision-maker on product road maps, features, and strategies, extending his influence beyond the traditional scope of a hardware engineering chief. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025

Following a disappointing 8-9 finish, top decision-makers elected to shed some of their older players in favor of a youth movement. —Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025

Famed Italian architect Piero Lissoni’s firm Lissoni & Partners will design the business lounge, a space to host meetings and presentations with key Saudi decision-makers. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025

Sergio Perez was going through a tough time, and the team's decision-makers were hoping for Riccardo to make the case to replace Perez. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 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