Definitions

decide

[dih-sahyd] / dɪˈsaɪd /

VERB

make a determination; settle an issue

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agree choose conclude determine elect end establish resolve rule select set vote

STRONG

adjudge adjudicate award cinch clinch conjecture decree figure gather guess judge mediate opt pick poll purpose surmise tap will

WEAK

arrive at conclusion call shots cast the die come to agreement come to conclusion come to decision commit oneself draw a conclusion fix upon form opinion go down line have final word make a decision make up mind reach decision take a stand

Antonyms

STRONGEST

begin commence refuse start unsettle waver

STRONG

grow plant

WEAK

defer delay hesitate postpone procrastinate put off wait

Usage

What are other ways to say decide?

To decide is to make up one's mind as to what shall be done and the way to do it: He decided to go today. To determine is to arrive at a conclusion after reasoning or observation: He determined that there was no available path to victory. To resolve is to show firmness of purpose: He resolved to ask for a promotion.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Participants had to decide when to claim Social Security and how to draw down their savings.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

The Warriors’ reward is a flight to Phoenix where they will take on the Suns in a Friday night matchup to decide the eighth and final playoff seed in the Western Conference.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

This gave the watchdog new powers to decide if consumer laws had been broken rather than having to go through the courts.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The company said the deal “reflects our existing and ongoing commitment to provide our clients with unbiased advice as they decide where to place their media.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

I sneak across, pee, then decide to risk slipping down to the kitchen—I polished off the granola bars last night.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

Vocabulary lists containing decide

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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5th Grade Government Vocabulary, List 1

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"Zlateh the Goat"

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