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 decision-makers who set that investment order set the architecture. — Hiren Dhaduk, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

As nightmare thought experiments shape the fight over how to govern a multitrillion-dollar industry, some experts say the parables may lead decision-makers astray. — Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026

Paddles for the life raft so the Clippers can change directions and make better decisions — hopefully with better decision-makers. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Josh Allen, top MVP pick in The Athletic’s decision-makers’ survey, is a torpedo with the ball in his hands. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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