1
as in chooses
to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration
they decided to go out for pizza after the movie was over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in determines
to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute)
the judge decided that the defendant was not liable for damages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in arranges
to come to an agreement or decision concerning the details of
we waited for our captors to decide our fate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in settles
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
the huge sum that they were offering decided the matter: we would sell the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in derives
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information
the commanding officer decided that the soldier was indeed telling the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 decides
Whatever the Supreme Court decides, 82 percent of American adults believe the president must obey the decision.
—
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Hassett added that tariff revenue would be only one potential funding source, noting that Congress ultimately decides how federal revenue — including taxes and tariffs — is spent through the appropriations process, according to remarks reported by USA TODAY.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Sometimes, though, the iconic brand decides to discontinue a shade to make room for more hues.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Monday night in Chicago, though, will see the world premiere of the last ever Richard Greenberg play, at least until Ed Greenberg decides to face whatever remains on his beloved brother’s computer.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
If Walden decides to elevate one of her underlings to co-chair of Disney Entertainment, there are several strong contenders from which to choose.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
Now armed, Lucy decides to use his own technology against him.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
The model decides which adapter to use depending on what question the user asks.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
There would be considerable historical irony if the court decides to use the 14th Amendment to provide the legal cover for reversing a generation of Black political progress in the South.
—Robert D. Bland, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Hassett added that tariff revenue would be only one potential funding source, noting that Congress ultimately decides how federal revenue — including taxes and tariffs — is spent through the appropriations process, according to remarks reported by USA TODAY.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Sometimes, though, the iconic brand decides to discontinue a shade to make room for more hues.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Monday night in Chicago, though, will see the world premiere of the last ever Richard Greenberg play, at least until Ed Greenberg decides to face whatever remains on his beloved brother’s computer.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
If Walden decides to elevate one of her underlings to co-chair of Disney Entertainment, there are several strong contenders from which to choose.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
Now armed, Lucy decides to use his own technology against him.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
The model decides which adapter to use depending on what question the user asks.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
There would be considerable historical irony if the court decides to use the 14th Amendment to provide the legal cover for reversing a generation of Black political progress in the South.
—Robert D. Bland, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decides
Verb
-
Some of that $370 billion in exports could be at risk if the EU chooses to buy those goods and products elsewhere.—
Tom Zirpoli,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Feb. 2026
-
If Detroit chooses to waive a player to create a roster spot for Jenkins, Isaac Jones could be a likely candidate.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Candidates don’t always honor their party’s endorsement and will sometimes advance to the August primary election, which officially determines the party nominee.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Each agency determines what work is essential or not.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The idea of an in-person meeting is suggested, and several years later, Porter arranges it.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The program has a booking agency that arranges travel, when needed, and a program consultant meets the player in his city to accompany him.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And as that low light settles in, my whole body shifts in spirit.—
Josh Jackson,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
-
After this brief stretch of colder weather, a steady warming trend is expected from Thursday through Sunday as the ridge of high pressure to our west slowly shifts east and settles over Texas.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Second, the model derives from Microsoft's Phi series, which the company has optimized for efficiency on consumer hardware.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The company currently derives 89% of total sales from foreign markets.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Instead, the board opts for the happy-go-lucky concert attendee kicking back a beer or two as its foil to scary THC use.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Re-signing outside linebacker Odafe Oweh will be among the Chargers’ priorities, especially if pending free agent Khalil Mack opts for retirement.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Chiefs’ personnel department considers the long view, which is where assistant general manager Chris Shea factors in, working closely with Veach on long-term roster management.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The firm considers homes affordable when a typical buyer can purchase a house for less than one-third of their income.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
London — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Britain’s Prince Andrew, has moved out of his longtime Windsor home and is now a resident of Norfolk, England, CNN understands.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
-
If topics feel heavy, suggest a pause and return with notes so feelings stay honored while plans keep moving toward real stability that everyone understands.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decides.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decides. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
