decision-maker

noun

de·​ci·​sion-mak·​er di-ˈsi-zhən-ˌmā-kər 

variants or less commonly decision maker

plural decision-makers also decision makers

: someone who is known or primarily responsible for making decisions

a good decision-maker

one of the company's key/top decision makers

However, this does not permit corrections personnel or a warden to automatically assume the role of the patient's medical decision-maker.

—Erik Larsen and Katherine Drabiak

Examples of decision-maker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Strategically plan campaigns to effectively sway decision-makers. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

There are many thorny issues on the PGA Tour table right now, and Malnati and the other decision-makers continue fielding questions about them. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

And Sarandos has transformed too: Once a brash party crasher in a town whose decision-makers had been established for decades, Sarandos now is the industry. —Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025

The former journalist was also an arbiter of fashion, serving as one of the decision-makers for the International Best Dressed List. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decision-maker

• policymaker
• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker