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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 There is no update on the containment of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacramento Bee, 9 Mar. 2025 Despite an uncertain future, the theater’s team is determined to continue their art and their wartime volunteering. Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025 The city medical examiner will determine the child’s cause of death. Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2025 Learn to use local frost dates to determine when to start seeds indoors and how to prepare seedlings for life outdoors. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determine
Verb
  • Conversely, could the Blues still decide to add to the roster?
    Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
  • But when Allie decides to give her ex-fiance a second chance and jilts her new flatmate, Hedra’s demure demeanor begins to shift and increasingly sour.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Suns drafted him with the 22nd pick, one of three Arkansas Razorbacks chosen in the first round, joining Todd Day and Lee Mayberry.
    Doug Haller, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • When choosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or ConsumerLab.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Around the world, the evidence for the value of social progress is conclusive: McKinsey’s global research found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability.
    Paul Klein, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The increasing regional influence within the industry shows no signs of slowing, as various multicultural expectations are finding application.
    Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Russian assaults are down from up to 60 per day to as few as 18, CDS concluded.
    David Axe, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Icke’s’ Oedipus began performances at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre on October 4, 2024, and concluded its record-breaking run on January 4.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Slotkin’s spoke from Wyandotte, Michigan, a working-class community south of Detroit, as Democrats struggle to settle on a unified message to combat Trump, which was on full display Tuesday night as Trump delivered the longest address to Congress by a president in U.S. history.
    Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In the 1970s, his family immigrated to the U.S., settling first in Massachusetts and then in California, outside of Los Angeles.
    Alice Park, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Both teams entered unbeaten, having given up just 10 goals each all season, so one goal figured to be enough to win.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article Q: Man, can’t figure this team out at all.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While on the scene, troopers from Troop E in Montville learned that Troop D in Danielson held an active arrest warrant for Leblanc, state police said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Shady spots need special shrubs and flowers; learn what grows best before planting. 33.
    Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The deputy had stopped Huttle, 42, of Hobart for driving 70 mph in a 55 mph zone.
    Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The news continues to appear bad for LIT, yet the fund has stopped slumping.
    Brett Owens, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Determine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determine. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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