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Definitions

determine

[dih-tur-min] / dɪˈtɜr mɪn /
VERB
conclude, decide
Synonyms
STRONGEST
complete regulate resolve rule
STRONG
actuate arbitrate cinch clinch dispose drive end figure finish halt impel incline induce move opt ordain persuade predispose settle tap terminate
WEAK
call the shots fix upon nail down pin down take a decision ultimate wind up wrap up
Antonyms
STRONG
bear begin commence create discourage dissuade hinder initiate prevent repress start stop suppress
WEAK
doubt hesitate miss overlook waver
VERB
discover, find out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ascertain check demonstrate detect establish figure out learn see tell verify work out
STRONG
certify divine figure hear tumble unearth
WEAK
add up to boil down to catch on have a hunch make out size up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
confuse disprove invalidate miss overlook
WEAK
begin doubt hesitate start waver
VERB
choose, decide
Synonyms
STRONGEST
elect establish fix resolve
STRONG
destine doom fate finger foreordain predestine predetermine preform preordain purpose settle
WEAK
make up mind
Antonyms
STRONGEST
destroy ignore unsettle
WEAK
begin doubt hesitate miss overlook start waver
VERB
dictate, govern, regulate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affect control decide impose influence limit measure rule shape
STRONG
bound circumscribe command condition delimit devise direct impel incline induce invent lead manage modify plot
WEAK
mark off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
let go
STRONG
follow mismanage neglect
WEAK
begin doubt hesitate miss overlook start waver

Usage

What are other ways to say determine?

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. 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.

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.

In an era of "intensifying geopolitical competition, accelerating technological innovation", the Japanese premier called for Asian countries to cultivate "resilience" and the ability to "determine their own future".

From Barron's • May 2, 2026

That overlap creates a practical problem with no clear answer: how do regulators determine why a medication was prescribed?

From Salon • May 2, 2026

Longer term, the resolution of the conflict with Iran—and what assurances the world will get that flows will remain uninterrupted—will determine whether prices are permanently higher.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Drew noted that more research is needed to determine how these findings apply to humans.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

“And when do you determine which of us is shinier?”

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Vocabulary lists containing determine

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Vocabulary of the Common Core

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

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