policymaking

noun

pol·​i·​cy·​mak·​ing ˈpä-lə-sē-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce policymaking (audio)
variants or policy-making
: the act or practice of establishing policy
… Bloomberg described a world where cities, rather than nations, are the major players in both global competition and innovative policymakingRob Fischer
… leaked word … that all Iraq policymaking was being centralized at the White House …Michael Duffy et al.
sometimes used before another noun
the policymaking process
The Fed's policymaking committee sets rates that serve as the benchmark for the interest rates charged on mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and certificates of deposit.Kevin G. Hall
The controller manages a state office of more than 1,400 workers and ensures tax dollars are efficiently and effectively spent. With a few exceptions, it is not a policymaking position.The East Bay Times (California)

Examples of policymaking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Ever since, this waiver has encouraged state lawmakers to seek to establish California as the de facto global leader in environmental policymaking. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025 The goal is to end the ambiguity that has led to years of enforcement-first policymaking and give developers and investors a clear legal framework to operate within. Jason Brett, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 But in policymaking, achievement is an important metric of success. Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Obama’s first term was consumed with undoing the damage of the Great Recession, which was a product largely of Republican economic policymaking. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for policymaking

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of policymaking was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

“Policymaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/policymaking. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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