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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 An expert has determined that the item was a Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age, around 3,800 years ago. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 However, it was later determined that the report of the assault, as well as other elements of the caller’s story, was fabricated, leading to authorities to publicly seek out information regarding their identity. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Understanding financial interest and signature authority is key to determining whether a filing obligation exists. Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.d., Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 The first of which is Virginia, an assessor who determines whether prospective parents like Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) are worthy of raising a child in their future world where resources are slim. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determine
Verb
  • Some tourists stumbled upon the skinny discount at Chiang Mai Breakfast World and decided to try it, as shown in a pair of Instagram videos that have since gone viral.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Then President Nayib Bukele decided enough was enough.
    Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cameron might choose one of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club books, while Lochlan would likely find value in absurdist fiction, like Albert Camus' The Stranger.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Mazin chose to use this challenge in Season 2 rather than gloss over it.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Grand emailed supporters last week hoping for help finding two Black female performers to join its show.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • China's tariff rate is now in triple digit territory, and who knows what happens in 90 days when this pause concludes.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The audience peaked with around 21.1M viewers as the nail-biting game, in which the Gators trailed for a majority of the time, was concluding.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The team settled on a patient with SD Autism Spectrum disorder who had an ankle sprain but frustrated Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) with his endless questions.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The lawsuit was settled in 2024 for $1.85 million, according to NBC News, but the emotional damage remains.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Yet the Red Sox still figure to give him opportunities over the next two months.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Only a handful of teams project to have salary-cap space, and most of the top potential free agents figure to stay with their current teams.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Include impact metrics, learning goals, relationship quality, and work-life integration.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Will this administration ever learn? Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Has Bacteria-Fighting Properties A study found that ACV helped stop the growth of two harmful bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli).
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Hansi Flick will surely remember the outstanding save from former Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian to stop Jules Kounde in the second half, as well as the last-minute cross from Raphinha that Robert Lewandowski or Fermin Lopez failed to tap in.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Determine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determine. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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