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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb determine differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of determine are decide, resolve, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

When is it sensible to use decide instead of determine?

The words decide and determine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When might resolve be a better fit than determine?

The synonyms resolve and determine are sometimes interchangeable, but resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

he resolved to quit smoking

When would rule be a good substitute for determine?

The meanings of rule and determine largely overlap; however, rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

When can settle be used instead of determine?

Although the words settle and determine have much in common, settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.

the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of determine The return-to-work ordinance would require city executives to determine timelines to cease remote-work options for their employees. Jessica Boehm, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025 But Texas requires that fault is determined in an accident to work out who is liable to pay for damages, a responsibility that Tesla has steadfastly refused to accept in virtually all its Autopilot and FSD crashes. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 10 Feb. 2025 However, states already have to determine what is taught in classrooms. Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Feb. 2025 Aura, determined to fight for inclusion in both the military and society, balances the chaos of war with her love for drag. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for determine 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determine
Verb
  • The singer decided to busk on the city’s Church Street ahead of his concert, but police officers literally pulled the plug, saying Sheeran didn’t have proper permission.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Shortly after, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue decided to close parts of their beaches for swimming.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Their rollout has not always gone smoothly: Many officers choose not to activate them, leading some departments to use cameras that activate automatically as a gun is removed from a holster, for example.
    Thomas C. Zambito, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The senators who cast them have clearly chosen themselves over their constituents and the stability of the nation.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • McNeeley gave UConn its first lead since the score was 2-0 with a pair of free throws, and Ball found Reed again for a two-handed slam that put the Huskies up four with 1:11 to go.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 19 Feb. 2025
  • ZiPS, a popular player projection model found on FanGraphs, predicts Goldschmidt will hit .250/.325/.437 with 23 homers, 81 RBI, a 116 wRC+ and 2.2 WAR in 2025.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Simultaneously, New York Fashion Week concluded with the Sergio Hudson Fall/Winter 2025 Fashion Show, where Keke Palmer turned heads in a cream ensemble, embodying leadership and authority.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The tour itself starts on April 19 in Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium and will conclude the North American run in Northwest Stadium in Washington, D.C. on June 18.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Applying early — before her full retirement age of 67 — means settling for a smaller check.
    Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Iowa State didn’t have the same problem as the Cyclones began to settle in.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But Christine and Pam [Koffler] at Killer Films are just so indefatigable in their insistence that there’s going to be a way to figure this out, again.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
  • James and Doncic have only played together for two games so far, giving them plenty of time to figure everything out.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Nolan, who was traveling with his parents and younger brother, later learned his flight had been canceled after being pushed back multiple times.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Keep scrolling below to learn more about these fashion moments over the weekend.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Outside of suicide, the only way for a terminally ill person in Ohio to hasten their own death is to refuse life-prolonging treatments or to stop eating and drinking.
    Tim Botos, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • However, Eke said, if Charlotte doesn’t succeed, the Berman family behind the bid won’t stop trying.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near determine

Cite this Entry

“Determine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determine. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on determine

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