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 After spending more than a decade shooting in New York, Weegee decided, in 1948, to leave it behind for Hollywood. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2025 The awards, decided by audience votes, were presented in collaboration with radioeins and rbb television. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2025 Then, the recipient has to decide whether to file a tax return to try to claim a refund. Bob Carlson, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 That will be up to the Red Sox, Mets, Blue Jays — or some other team with longer odds on Heyman's list — to decide starting in November. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decide
Verb
  • Those on the college track might choose a school abroad, an option no longer reserved for the wealthy.
    Lisa Z. Lindahl, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • With endless options to choose from, there’s no better place to kick off your spring denim journey than here.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • William Fritz, who lives in Texas, filed a petition earlier this month to set aside son Frank Fritz's last testament and have a jury determine what should be done with his son's estate.
    Courtney Crowder, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • At this time, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacramento Bee, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Frame a few new photos and arrange them with meaningful keepsakes on your shelves.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2025
  • This cosmic phenomenon inspired the couple to include astrological motifs throughout their wedding plans, from personalized Zodiac plates for every guest to arranging the tables to represent the sun with surrounding planets in orbit.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Powell had to settle for a showing in Saturday night’s 3-point contest.
    Law Murray, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Here, any sedimentary layers that settle to the bed of the brine pool remain exquisitely intact.
    Christina Shaw, Fox News, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But at the same time, sharing a bit about life outside of the sport helps the rest of the world and fans of the sport understand you.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 23 Feb. 2025
  • IndieWire understands that Italian real estate is already looking at these locations to potentially convert them in anticipation of the vote.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In 2022, Dolton voters opted to recall Henyard, but an appellate court ruled the vote was invalid.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Many winners opt for a timely message, while others resort to rattling off a list of names.
    Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Award Juries And Creative Recognition Awards have long been the currency of the creative industry, but winning isn’t enough—who’s judging the work is just as important as who’s making it.
    Gully Flowers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • His role was to judge who had executed the best guest bedroom makeover — Christina and her design team or her competition: her first ex-husband Tarek El Moussa, 43, and his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, 37.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Phytic acid gently refines skin texture, while vitis vinifera—derived from grapes—helps replenish moisture and smooth fine lines.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Air pollution derived from the huge amounts of energy needed to run data centers has been linked to treating cancers, asthma, and other related issues, according to research from UC Riverside and Caltech.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 24 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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