judgment call

noun

: a subjective decision, ruling, or opinion

Examples of judgment call in a Sentence

The rules aren't clear in this case, so officials are required to make a judgment call.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a tournament spokesperson, there is no hard rule — the decision to close the roof is a judgment call made on a case-by-case basis, with the guiding principle maximizing the amount of outdoor tennis played. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 7 July 2026

There are specific individuals that made a very poor judgment call here, and apparently no accountability. — Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Fraser says her ability to make a judgment call — and then, in British fashion, get on with it—is a trait that’s served her well. — Claire Zillman, Fortune, 27 May 2026

And a person still has to make the judgment call when things get complicated. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for judgment call

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

judgment call

noun

: a subjective decision, ruling, or opinion