decisiveness

noun

Definition of decisivenessnext
as in determination
firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose moved with speed and decisiveness in investigating the charges of the use of excessive force by the police

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 decisiveness The traits rewarded in high-performing individual contributors—like decisiveness, high output, competitive drive—are not necessarily the same traits that make an effective manager. — Miriam Groom, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Jones flashed his decisiveness and speed on the ensuing play, gaining 14 yards on a quarterback keeper. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 While Whitman has no grocery experience and little retail experience (from her time as CEO of eBay), she was brought in by Albertsons for her turnaround chops and decisiveness. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 Cousins’ decisiveness and awareness are key traits Las Vegas wants Mendoza to observe and learn to emulate. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Not the product who was named the starter, but just the fact that Florida was willing to settle on one arm, an issue of decisiveness previous coach Billy Napier struggled with two years ago. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Black got the start and ran for 33 yards on eight carries, showing the decisiveness and explosiveness the 49ers liked about him during his time helping Indiana win a national championship last season. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisiveness
  1. determination
  2. decision
  3. resolve
  4. persistence
  5. resoluteness
Noun
  • In other words, the letters include enough information for people to make inquiries of their own and decide if the determinations are correct.
    — Sharmila Venkatasubban, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • For Valerto, the experience has reinforced his belief that starting a business doesn't necessarily require extensive experience, just determination and a willingness to learn.
    — Scott Withers, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of determination
Noun
  • Public voting accounts for 10% of the final decision, with a selection panel determining the winner.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Every lineup decision matters more than ever, so let’s dive into the Week 10 matchups and find the players who can give your team an edge.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of decision
Noun
  • Lakshmana’s resolve to follow Rama’s instructions is tested when Maricha, acting on Ravana’s orders, assumes the form of a golden deer and wanders within sight of Rama’s hermitage to catch Sita’s attention.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Because freedom of navigation was viewed as a fundamental principle of the global order, assembling large groups committed to upholding this pillar was intended to demonstrate international resolve and isolate the bad actor.
    — Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of resolve
Noun
  • By allowing advanced sonar capabilities to be deployed further forward and for extended periods of time, LDS significantly enhances operational persistence while reducing risks to personnel and high-value assets, as per the release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The governor must be pleased that his persistence has earned him a place in the state’s history.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of persistence
Noun
  • His loving, pragmatic wife, Mi-ri (Son Ye-jin), gamely downsizes their middle-class life to fit their new reality — but her resoluteness only exacerbates his despair.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of resoluteness

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Cite this Entry

“Decisiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisiveness. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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