decide

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decide differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of decide are determine, resolve, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When can determine be used instead of decide?

Although the words determine and decide have much in common, determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

In what contexts can resolve take the place of decide?

The synonyms resolve and decide are sometimes interchangeable, but resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

he resolved to quit smoking

When might rule be a better fit than decide?

In some situations, the words rule and decide are roughly equivalent. However, rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

When is settle a more appropriate choice than decide?

While the synonyms settle and decide are close in meaning, settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.

the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of decide Although, Trump has warned of further military action if Tehran does not now decide to make peace. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025 And if the Iranians decide to expand this, then that's ultimately their decision. Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 22 June 2025 The deciding game of the series will be played on Sunday afternoon. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025 Clalit, after a review, decided to dismiss the complaint against Qasem Hassan. Eyal Press, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for decide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decide
Verb
  • And the God, who is an omnipotent God, in many ways become impotent, because God has given us the gift to choose.
    Scott Simon, NPR, 28 June 2025
  • This investigation can finally create price transparency in Florida, empowering patients to choose the best care at the best prices.
    Cynthia A Fisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The team also aims to determine the impact of specific types of oils.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
  • At the time, new vaccines for measles and polio had recently come online, and national health leaders felt the need for a regular panel of experts to determine how best to use these and other products to protect the public.
    Pien Huang, NPR, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Attentive staffers will be on hand for towel drops and spritz refills, as well as to help arrange water sports or beach games.
    Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025
  • Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter has rushed to arrange a commission vote, ratifying it.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The unexpected matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will be settled on Sunday, June 22 in Oklahoma City.
    Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • As Carter gets settled in at New York's spring practices, the third-overall pick is turning heads and seemingly exceeding expectations.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • These powerful stellar explosions serve as cosmic lighthouses, helping astronomers measure vast cosmic distances and understand the accelerating expansion of the universe.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The mission’s detailed investigation of Europa will help scientists better understand the astrobiological potential for habitable worlds beyond our planet.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • And 63% of consumers opt to purchase from brands that align with their personal ethics.
    Gabriele Buffo, Fortune, 26 June 2025
  • Johansson opted for the quiet luxury trend for her appearance on the Sirius XM show.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • This is especially true for women whose bodies are constantly scrutinized and judged in a way men’s bodies aren’t.
    Jane Smiley June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • Ratings would be a far better guide to judge interest in this team.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • However, the original equation was derived from predominantly mammalian data.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2025
  • Of that amount, $1.2 billion was derived from membership fees alone—accounting for nearly half of the operating profit, and primarily recurring.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decide. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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