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.

Three hours of racing and 800 left turns hadn’t been enough to decide the Indy 500.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

In Portugal, suspects must be brought before a judge within 48 hours of their arrest to decide whether they remain in custody or are released ahead of their trial.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

Compliance and margins may decide who actually wins.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

That meant this case was no longer going to be a clean vehicle to decide what the IQ line needs to be for intellectual disability under the Eighth Amendment.

From Slate • May 23, 2026

‘In a few days, the bear will be too strong to overcome. We can’t call a clan meet, there’s no time. I must decide this now, for all the clans.’

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

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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