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

After conversations with the training staff, with McVay and the rest of the decision-makers around the Rams, Stafford finally decided to see what happened in a practice. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026

For this group, Phelps represents the first of what should be many of NASCAR’s decision-makers to be shown the door. —Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Aldermen becoming the budget decision-makers is only the latest product of a political sea change long in motion. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

The most important skill a CFO has, Warnick said, is influencing the ultimate decision-maker—the CEO. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Jan. 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