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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.

To the Editor: Do you trust an artificial-intelligence software tool to decide which products to launch or which expenses to cut—like a control tower?

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Rubio added it was "ultimately" up to the President to decide this issue.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The Supreme Court will decide which side is right.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

States would have to look into the history and legal status of a newborn’s parents to decide whether they met the new qualifications.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

From their ranks at Corinthian Hall, Wednesday night’s audience selected a five-man committee to test Maggie and Leah and decide whether the rappings were a humbug.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.