policymaking

noun

pol·​i·​cy·​mak·​ing ˈpä-lə-sē-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce policymaking (audio)
variants or policy-making
: the act or practice of establishing policy
… Bloomberg described a world where cities, rather than nations, are the major players in both global competition and innovative policymakingRob Fischer
… leaked word … that all Iraq policymaking was being centralized at the White House …Michael Duffy et al.
sometimes used before another noun
the policymaking process
The Fed's policymaking committee sets rates that serve as the benchmark for the interest rates charged on mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and certificates of deposit.Kevin G. Hall
The controller manages a state office of more than 1,400 workers and ensures tax dollars are efficiently and effectively spent. With a few exceptions, it is not a policymaking position.The East Bay Times (California)

Examples of policymaking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Key Facts There are 99.9% odds the Federal Reserve will opt for a quarter-point reduction to interest rates, which have settled between 4.25% and 4.5% since December, after the agency’s policymaking meeting on Sept. 17, according to CME’s FedWatch tool. Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 Israel's policies and the U.S. response to them will shape attitudes among budding politicians, experts and voters from these demographic groups in the near term and in future policymaking. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025 He’s seen and participated in enough real-world policymaking to know that ideology needs structure — not just passion. Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025 The country transformed from a low-income nation into a financial powerhouse in just a few generations, driven in large part by deliberate investments and a thoughtful approach to economic policymaking. Justin Worland, Time, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for policymaking

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of policymaking was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

“Policymaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/policymaking. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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