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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb determine differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of determine are decide, resolve, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

When is it sensible to use decide instead of determine?

The words decide and determine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When might resolve be a better fit than determine?

The synonyms resolve and determine 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 would rule be a good substitute for determine?

The meanings of rule and determine largely overlap; however, rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

When can settle be used instead of determine?

Although the words settle and determine have much in common, 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 determine If immigration enforcement officers seek to enter a limited-access healthcare area — such as patient rooms or closed wards — UCLA advises staff to contact their administrator and the medical center’s legal representative to review any warrants or subpoenas to determine whether entry is allowed. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 Currently, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025 Authorities have stated that details about the motive and sequence of events will be determined through the ongoing investigation. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 Tuesday’s vote was merely a primary to determine who will be representing the Democratic Party. Solcyré Burga, Time, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for determine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determine
Verb
  • Always, along the chain of hectic audience gossip, there was one person who decided to nip in the bud the talk about a too iconoclastic Beckett, and the relay to the estate was stopped; someone—more than one someone—who decided that Matthew and his crazy dreams were worth shielding.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
  • After a fun evening at the amusement park, the family decided to set Cade free.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The Nashville Predators chose physical forward Brady Martin with the fifth pick.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • There, a tactical response team found a man lying dead with a weapon nearby, whom authorities believe was the shooter.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2025
  • The Stanford team found the top reason for resisting AI (45%) is lack of trust in system accuracy or reliability.
    Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • What’s next: The Royals conclude their weekend series against the Padres on Sunday afternoon.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • In the study, scientists concluded further adaptation and the potential expansion of cropland may be needed to ensure food security and mitigate climate impacts.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 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
  • This year’s snub doesn’t figure to start a trend, however, as incoming freshman guard Darryn Peterson is ESPN.com’s early choice to be selected No. 1 overall in June 2026.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025
  • Walker Buehler has spent weeks now trying to figure things out.
    Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • The key is to know yourself and schedule a vacation that fits you, not to overthink (and over-plan) things, and learn from your mistakes.
    Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Most life on Earth, including humans, learns by moving, touching, failing, and adjusting.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Paul Goldschmidt had one of just three Yankees hits in Saturday’s 7-0 loss to the A’s, but that didn’t stop him from sharing some self-depreciation after the game.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
  • Without any consequences, this autocratic politician will continue to push the limits of his authority beyond the breaking point until someone forces him to stop.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on determine

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