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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 midterm Congressional elections will determine whether Trump continues with a majority in the House of Representatives. Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025 The longtime veteran was named the starter recently, leading the rest of the quarterback chart to likely be determined. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025 The medical examiner’s office will identify the man and determine his cause of death. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 23 Aug. 2025 The program allows residents to determine how those funds should be spent. La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determine
Verb
  • However, the applicant team decided instead to proceed to a city hearing, where it was suggested the project be modified to address issues with drainage and setbacks.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
  • So instead of targeting 2% inflation, the Fed decided to aim for inflation that averages 2% over time.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Each plan includes different download and upload speeds, allowing customers to choose based on their household needs and internet use.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
  • This is one of the most exciting features of purchasing glasses online, particularly because there are significantly more frames to choose from than in physical stores.
    Jason Phillips, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Even being found with a Bible can lead to execution, normally with a bullet, sometimes reportedly after torture.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The oil-free eye cream contains three essential ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP), which help restore the skin barrier with lipids found naturally in the skin.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • According to the memo, a preliminary investigation concluded that a woman, driving a BMW SUV, failed to yield when turning left, resulting in a collision with Hinds.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • In some cases, local prosecutors have clashed with federal immigration officials over attempts to deport crime defendants or witnesses before their cases conclude.
    John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The transfer of ownership was settled in July and the total purchase price was $5,500,000, $1,071 per square foot.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025
  • For years, Grammy award winner Taj Mahal has settled in for a long run during the week leading up to Thanksgiving.
    Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • With Jaylon Moore leaving in free agency for the Chiefs’ generous payday, Andre Dillard figured to rescue the swing-tackle dilemma upon debuting in practice Monday, only to go on Injured Reserve three days later.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • This certainly hasn’t stopped researchers from trying dearly to figure things out.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Enquirer has reached out to the U.S. Secret Service and the vice president's spokesperson to learn more.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2025
  • To learn more about Future Healers, visit uoflhealth.org/future-healers.
    Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Palisades Nuclear Plant On July 24, the NRC approved licensing and regulatory actions to greenlight restarting the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert, Mich, which stopped producing electricity in 2022.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • And unless the lake stops being filled with recycled wastewater, Gufarotti said, the units will be running constantly for the foreseeable future, meaning ongoing maintenance and electricity costs.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Determine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determine. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

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