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

In that realm, paying off a considerable amount of debt immediately puts the organization in a healthier position, though the decision-makers remain unchanged. —Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025

Industry trend analytics and audience insights tools enable you to develop content that truly connects with decision-makers. —Cheryl Ragland, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

The pair will have two more preseason games and a handful of practices — including two joint practices at the Minnesota Vikings’ facility this Wednesday and Thursday — to impress Springer, head coach Mike Vrabel and the rest of New England’s decision-makers. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2025

These are important boards whose recommendations are often sent to the final decision-makers — a city council, school board or county board of supervisors — for quick and perfunctory ratification. —Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 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