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

Whether the tunnel project is ultimately built may hinge on whether large water agencies, including the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, decide to participate and pay for it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

Asked if India objected to Pakistan's newfound role as a mediator, Jaishankar said it was for the United States to decide its partners, and acknowledged that differences will emerge between the two countries.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

Should they decide to give O'Neill the option, let's ponder one final question.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

There’s still light in the sky, so I decide to put in an hour.

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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